Toxicological assessment of potable reuse and conventional drinking waters

Potable reuse, the process of treating wastewater to drinkable standards, offers a reliable and sustainable solution to cities and regions facing shortages of clean water. However, implementation is hindered by perceptions of poor water quality and potential health threats. Herein, we compare water samples from potable reuse systems with conventional drinking waters based on the analysis of Chinese hamster ovary cell cytotoxicity contributed by disinfection by-products (DBPs) and sewage-derived anthropogenic contaminants. In all cases, the cytotoxicity of potable reuse waters is lower than that of drinking waters derived from surface waters. The median contribution to total cytotoxicity was 0.2% for regulated DBPs and 16% for the unregulated DBPs of current research interest. Nonvolatile, uncharacterized DBPs and anthropogenic contaminants accounted for 83% of total cytotoxicity. Potable reuse waters treated by reverse osmosis are not more cytotoxic than groundwaters. Even in the absence of reverse osmosis, reuse waters are less cytotoxic than surface drinking waters. Our results suggest that potable reuse can provide a safe, energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative water supply. Potable reuse provides a reliable and sustainable option to drinking-water supply. However, its implementation is hindered by perceptions of potential health risks. Here, comparing potable reuse water with tap water, the authors show a lower level of cytotoxicity in reuse water.

Automated summary

Potable reuse offers a reliable and sustainable solution to water shortage, but implementation is hindered by concerns over water quality and health risks. A comparative analysis shows that potable reuse waters have lower cytotoxicity than traditional drinking waters, indicating that it can provide a safe alternative water supply.