Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
O
CH
3
N
O O
N
N
S
N
N
H
N
O
H
3
C
CH
3
FIGURE 7.36
Structure of sildenafil citrate.
CH
3
Table 7.17 lists the CAS number and molecular formula for benzoyl-
methylecgonine, penicillin, sildenafil citrate, and testosterone.
Two other emerging contaminants of note include a group of
compounds called perchlorates and the compound 1,4-Dioxane.
Perchlorates
are colorless and odorless salts. They are a group of com-
pounds including the following:
O
N
O
O
O
FIGURE 7.37
Structure of benzoyl-
methylecgonine.
• Magnesium perchlorate (MgClO
4
)
• Potassium perchlorate (KClO
4
)
• Ammonium perchlorate (NH
4
ClO
4
)
• Sodium perchlorate (NaClO
4
)
• Lithium perchlorate (LiClO
4
)
The basic structure of the perchlorate ion is shown in Figure 7.38. Perchlorates are very
reactive and are commonly used in explosives, fireworks, road flares, and rocket motors
(ATSDR 2008c). Perchlorate may also be present in bleach as an impurity. Adverse health
affects of exposure to perchlorates include the ability of the thyroid gland to uptake
iodine. Iodine is needed to produce hormones that regulate many body functions. USEPA
does not currently list any of the perchlorate compounds as human carcinogens (USEPA
2009b).
1,4-Dioxane (C
4
H
8
O
2
) is a clear liquid that easily dissolves in water. It is one of three
isomer varieties of dioxanes, and is primarily used as an industrial sol-
vent, with less widespread use in cosmetics, shampoos, and detergents
(ATSDR 2007f). The ability of 1,4-Dioxane to dissolve so easily in water
and its penchant for not being biodegradable results in 1,4-Dioxane eas-
ily contaminating surface water and groundwater. Inadequate infor-
mation is available for classifying the carcinogenicity of 1,4-Dioxane
(USEPA 2009b). Figure 7.39 shows the basic structure of the dioxane
isomers.
O
144 pm
109.5°
Cl
O
O
O
FIGURE 7.38
Structure of the
perchlorate ion.
TABLE 7.17
Date for Select Emerging Pharmaceuticals and Drugs
Compound
CAS Registration Number
Molecular Formula
Benzoylmethylecgonine
50-36-2
C
17
H
21
NO
4
Sildenafil citrate
139755-83-2
C
22
H
3
N
8
O
4
S
Testosterone
58-22-0
C
19
H
28
O
2
Penicillin
Not listed
R-C
9
H
11
N
2
O
4
S
a
a
R indicates a variable group attached to molecule.
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