Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

Occurrence and sources of PERsistent, MObile and TOXic substances in Irish waters

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University (DCU)

Lead Applicant

David O'Connor

Project Abstract

The EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability sets out a roadmap for delivery of a non-toxic future with ‘safe-by-design’ chemicals contributing to a healthy and sustainable economy and society. It emphasises the importance of strengthening the chemicals science-policy interface including increased measurement of chemicals in the environment. Further research and assessment tools are required to develop a clearer understanding of the effects of chemicals. PERMOTOX is an important research project that draws on previous work done in Ireland funded by the Irish EPA as well as international studies and reports that highlight the risk to water quality by the PMT and vPvM chemicals in the environment. The 48-month PERMOTOX study will determine the impact, sources and quantity of persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) - and very persistent and very mobile substances (vPvM’s) on water quality in Ireland. It will be undertaken by the PhD Students under the direct academic mentorship and direction of an assembled collaborative team of experts. Substances that are persistent in the environment, mobile in the aquatic environment as well as being toxic (PMT) or substances that are very persistent in the environment and very mobile in the aquatic environment (vPvM) have specific combinations of intrinsic substance properties that cause them to pose an inherent hazard to drinking water resources. We will investigate ranking the chemicals according to the environmental emission potential. However, the evidence that a substance is released into the environment in significant quantities and possesses PMT properties is its presence in environmental water samples far from potential points of emissions. We will be engaging with industry to address the question of pathways, and risk. Information arising from other sources such as licences or land use maps will be utilised to inform risk assessment. The stakeholders who we will want to know about the project include: the public, the media (as a mechanism of further sending message to stakeholders), NGOs (for applicability in other scenarios/countries) and d) Public Representatives and Local Government for dissemination etc. PERMOTOX will engage the Citizen Science Officer in DCU to engage community groups for water sampling. The potential for this activity in achieving high spatial distribution of samples in Ireland is significant and will have a high value for the project. The project will deliver the following SMART objectives and targets: A suitable analytical methods for determination of PMT/vPvM chemicals in Irish waters. Quantification of the PMT/vPvM chemicals in Irish waters, including surface water, groundwater, drinking water sources as well as treated drinking water. Identification of potential pathways of such PMT/vPvM chemicals in the Irish environment. Define an emissions review of PMT/vPvM chemicals with details on industries and sectors that use or produce these chemicals; and, Provide recommendations to inform robust monitoring programmes to identify chemicals of interest, as well as areas of concern where monitoring efforts might need to be concentrated. This interdisciplinary partnership between DCU, NUI-Galway, and the University of York, with the Federation of Group Water Schemes, can deliver on these ambitious objectives.

Grant Approved

�446,661.45

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

31/03/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/03/2027