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This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil and water scientists, consulting engineers, Extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) provide guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health. This 7-page fact sheet is a minor revision written by Maia McGuire, Yun-Ya Yang, Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera, Gurpal S. Toor, and Alexander J. Reisinger, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences, January 2019. SL435/SS649: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Microplastics (ufl.edu)

This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil and water scientists, consulting engineers, Extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) provide guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health. This 7-page fact sheet is a minor revision written by Maia McGuire, Yun-Ya Yang, Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera, Gurpal S. Toor, and Alexander J. Reisinger, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences, January 2019. SL435/SS649: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Microplastics (ufl.edu)

This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil and water scientists, consulting engineers, Extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) provide guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health. This 7-page fact sheet is a minor revision written by Maia McGuire, Yun-Ya Yang, Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera, Gurpal S. Toor, and Alexander J. Reisinger, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences, January 2019. SL435/SS649: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Microplastics (ufl.edu)

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a man-made chemical widely used as a component in many products of daily use in households, such as plastic bottles and metallic canned foods. BPA can leach from bottles and cans into the environment, increasing our exposure to BPA. BPA is known to harm exposed animals in laboratory settings as well as in the wild, although its potential to harm humans remains controversial. This 7-page fact sheet will discuss the occurrence, use, and potential harmful effects of BPA and will suggest ways to reduce human and environmental exposure to BPA. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriquez-Jorquera, Yun Ya Yang, and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the Soil and Water Science Department, November 2015.

Plastic, plastic everywhere! We live in a world where we are surrounded by plastic: from packaging materials and cutlery to plastic appliances and medical devices. Since the mid-twentieth century, plastic has been a boon to humanity and an integral part of our modern lives. However, plastic debris is a major concern due to its abundance and persistence in the environment. Plastic contaminants not only include plastic debris characterized by large size but also small pieces of plastic in the millimeter size range; these inconspicuous “microplastics” have become a major concern because of their widespread presence in different environments and diverse organisms. This 6-page fact sheet discusses the sources of microplastics, their effects on the environment, and ways to minimize microplastics pollution and exposure. Written by Yun-Ya Yang, Ignacio A. Rodriquez, Maia McGuire, and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the Soil and Water Science Department, December 2015. SL435/SS649: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Microplastics (ufl.edu)

Plastic, plastic everywhere! We live in a world where we are surrounded by plastic: from packaging materials and cutlery to plastic appliances and medical devices. Since the mid-twentieth century, plastic has been a boon to humanity and an integral part of our modern lives. However, plastic debris is a major concern due to its abundance and persistence in the environment. Plastic contaminants not only include plastic debris characterized by large size but also small pieces of plastic in the millimeter size range; these inconspicuous “microplastics” have become a major concern because of their widespread presence in different environments and diverse organisms. This 6-page fact sheet discusses the sources of microplastics, their effects on the environment, and ways to minimize microplastics pollution and exposure. Written by Yun-Ya Yang, Ignacio A. Rodriquez, Maia McGuire, and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the Soil and Water Science Department, December 2015. SL435/SS649: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Microplastics (ufl.edu)

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a man-made chemical widely used as a component in many products of daily use in households, such as plastic bottles and metallic canned foods. BPA can leach from bottles and cans into the environment, increasing our exposure to BPA. BPA is known to harm exposed animals in laboratory settings as well as in the wild, although its potential to harm humans remains controversial. This 7-page fact sheet will discuss the occurrence, use, and potential harmful effects of BPA and will suggest ways to reduce human and environmental exposure to BPA. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriquez-Jorquera, Yun Ya Yang, and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the Soil and Water Science Department, November 2015.

Plastic, plastic everywhere! We live in a world where we are surrounded by plastic: from packaging materials and cutlery to plastic appliances and medical devices. Since the mid-twentieth century, plastic has been a boon to humanity and an integral part of our modern lives. However, plastic debris is a major concern due to its abundance and persistence in the environment. Plastic contaminants not only include plastic debris characterized by large size but also small pieces of plastic in the millimeter size range; these inconspicuous “microplastics” have become a major concern because of their widespread presence in different environments and diverse organisms. This 6-page fact sheet discusses the sources of microplastics, their effects on the environment, and ways to minimize microplastics pollution and exposure. Written by Yun-Ya Yang, Ignacio A. Rodriquez, Maia McGuire, and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the Soil and Water Science Department, December 2015. SL435/SS649: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Microplastics (ufl.edu)

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a man-made chemical widely used as a component in many products of daily use in households, such as plastic bottles and metallic canned foods. BPA can leach from bottles and cans into the environment, increasing our exposure to BPA. BPA is known to harm exposed animals in laboratory settings as well as in the wild, although its potential to harm humans remains controversial. This 7-page fact sheet will discuss the occurrence, use, and potential harmful effects of BPA and will suggest ways to reduce human and environmental exposure to BPA. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriquez-Jorquera, Yun Ya Yang, and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the Soil and Water Science Department, November 2015.

Los perfluoroalquilos–los perfluorocarbonos (PFC) o, en inglés, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)–son los productos químicos artificiales más comunes y persistentes en el planeta. Algunos de los productos más comunes que contienen perfluoroalquilos son sartenes de teflón, utensilios de cocina antiadherente, chaquetas impermeables (como Gore-Tex), espumas de extinción de incendios, envases de alimentos, alfombras y telas para muebles. Los perfluoroalquilos poseen un largo tiempo de residencia en el medio ambiente, lo que significa que los perfluoroalquilos pueden acumularse en los organismos en niveles que causan efectos nocivos. This 6-page fact sheet is the Spanish-language version of SL418/SS631: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Perfluoroalkyl Substances. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2015. Feature image credit: iStock/Thinkstock.com (non-stick pan, waterproof fabric, and fire fighting foam)/Digital Vision/Thinkstock.com (fast food) SL418-Span/SS644: Contaminantes en el Medio Ambiente Urbano: Los Perfluoroalquilos (ufl.edu)

Los perfluoroalquilos–los perfluorocarbonos (PFC) o, en inglés, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)–son los productos químicos artificiales más comunes y persistentes en el planeta. Algunos de los productos más comunes que contienen perfluoroalquilos son sartenes de teflón, utensilios de cocina antiadherente, chaquetas impermeables (como Gore-Tex), espumas de extinción de incendios, envases de alimentos, alfombras y telas para muebles. Los perfluoroalquilos poseen un largo tiempo de residencia en el medio ambiente, lo que significa que los perfluoroalquilos pueden acumularse en los organismos en niveles que causan efectos nocivos. This 6-page fact sheet is the Spanish-language version of SL418/SS631: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Perfluoroalkyl Substances. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2015. Feature image credit: iStock/Thinkstock.com (non-stick pan, waterproof fabric, and fire fighting foam)/Digital Vision/Thinkstock.com (fast food) SL418-Span/SS644: Contaminantes en el Medio Ambiente Urbano: Los Perfluoroalquilos (ufl.edu)

Los perfluoroalquilos–los perfluorocarbonos (PFC) o, en inglés, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)–son los productos químicos artificiales más comunes y persistentes en el planeta. Algunos de los productos más comunes que contienen perfluoroalquilos son sartenes de teflón, utensilios de cocina antiadherente, chaquetas impermeables (como Gore-Tex), espumas de extinción de incendios, envases de alimentos, alfombras y telas para muebles. Los perfluoroalquilos poseen un largo tiempo de residencia en el medio ambiente, lo que significa que los perfluoroalquilos pueden acumularse en los organismos en niveles que causan efectos nocivos. This 6-page fact sheet is the Spanish-language version of SL418/SS631: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Perfluoroalkyl Substances. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2015. Feature image credit: iStock/Thinkstock.com (non-stick pan, waterproof fabric, and fire fighting foam)/Digital Vision/Thinkstock.com (fast food) SL418-Span/SS644: Contaminantes en el Medio Ambiente Urbano: Los Perfluoroalquilos (ufl.edu)

Dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals on the earth. They are by-products of a number of human activities such as combustion of fuels and wastes containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorine bleaching of paper products, and selected industrial processes. Current releases of dioxins by humans are due to the combustion of fuels and burning of household trash. The good news is that levels of dioxins in the environment have decreased in the United States throughout the past 30 years due to the improved emission controls and regulatory activities. But dioxins break down slowly, so they remain in the environment for a long time and accumulate in the food chain. Long-term exposure to dioxins can harm immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, and reproductive functions. This 7-page fact sheet discusses the sources, emission trends, and impacts of dioxins as well as the ways to minimize exposure to dioxins. Written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2015.

Dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals on the earth. They are by-products of a number of human activities such as combustion of fuels and wastes containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorine bleaching of paper products, and selected industrial processes. Current releases of dioxins by humans are due to the combustion of fuels and burning of household trash. The good news is that levels of dioxins in the environment have decreased in the United States throughout the past 30 years due to the improved emission controls and regulatory activities. But dioxins break down slowly, so they remain in the environment for a long time and accumulate in the food chain. Long-term exposure to dioxins can harm immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, and reproductive functions. This 7-page fact sheet discusses the sources, emission trends, and impacts of dioxins as well as the ways to minimize exposure to dioxins. Written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2015.

Dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals on the earth. They are by-products of a number of human activities such as combustion of fuels and wastes containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorine bleaching of paper products, and selected industrial processes. Current releases of dioxins by humans are due to the combustion of fuels and burning of household trash. The good news is that levels of dioxins in the environment have decreased in the United States throughout the past 30 years due to the improved emission controls and regulatory activities. But dioxins break down slowly, so they remain in the environment for a long time and accumulate in the food chain. Long-term exposure to dioxins can harm immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, and reproductive functions. This 7-page fact sheet discusses the sources, emission trends, and impacts of dioxins as well as the ways to minimize exposure to dioxins. Written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2015.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products contain a variety of chemical substances that enter household wastewater from bath and shower, sinks, and washers and ultimately find their way into the environment. Continuous discharge of wastewater contributes to the accumulation of these substances in the environment — where they can be harmful to organisms. This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil scientists, consulting engineers, extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects, and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health. This 9-page fact sheet discusses the sources and impacts of PPCPs and offers common-sense ways we can protect our environment from PPCPs. Written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. SL420/SS633: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)—Part 2 (ufl.edu)

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products contain a variety of chemical substances that enter household wastewater from bath and shower, sinks, and washers and ultimately find their way into the environment. Continuous discharge of wastewater contributes to the accumulation of these substances in the environment — where they can be harmful to organisms. This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil scientists, consulting engineers, extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects, and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health. This 5-page fact sheet provides an overview of the use and sale of PPCPs in the United States and the world. Written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. SL419/SS632: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)—Part 1 (ufl.edu)

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) or perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are the most widespread and persistent manmade chemicals on earth. Common products that contain PFASs are Teflon pans, non-stick cookware, rain/waterproof jackets (like Gore-Tex), fire-fighting foams, food packaging, carpets, and furniture fabrics. PFASs stay in the environment for a long period of time, which means they can accumulate in organisms to levels that cause harmful effects. This 6-page fact sheet discusses the occurrence, use, exposure, and potential harmful effects of PFASs to humans and the environment, and suggests ways to reduce your exposure to PFSAs. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. (Photos: Thinkstock.com) SL418/SS631: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Perfluoroalkyl Substances (ufl.edu)

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products contain a variety of chemical substances that enter household wastewater from bath and shower, sinks, and washers and ultimately find their way into the environment. Continuous discharge of wastewater contributes to the accumulation of these substances in the environment — where they can be harmful to organisms. This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil scientists, consulting engineers, extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects, and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health. This 5-page fact sheet provides an overview of the use and sale of PPCPs in the United States and the world. Written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. SL419/SS632: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)—Part 1 (ufl.edu)

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) or perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are the most widespread and persistent manmade chemicals on earth. Common products that contain PFASs are Teflon pans, non-stick cookware, rain/waterproof jackets (like Gore-Tex), fire-fighting foams, food packaging, carpets, and furniture fabrics. PFASs stay in the environment for a long period of time, which means they can accumulate in organisms to levels that cause harmful effects. This 6-page fact sheet discusses the occurrence, use, exposure, and potential harmful effects of PFASs to humans and the environment, and suggests ways to reduce your exposure to PFSAs. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. (Photos: Thinkstock.com) SL418/SS631: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Perfluoroalkyl Substances (ufl.edu)

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products contain a variety of chemical substances that enter household wastewater from bath and shower, sinks, and washers and ultimately find their way into the environment. Continuous discharge of wastewater contributes to the accumulation of these substances in the environment — where they can be harmful to organisms. This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil scientists, consulting engineers, extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects, and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health. This 9-page fact sheet discusses the sources and impacts of PPCPs and offers common-sense ways we can protect our environment from PPCPs. Written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. SL420/SS633: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)—Part 2 (ufl.edu)

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products contain a variety of chemical substances that enter household wastewater from bath and shower, sinks, and washers and ultimately find their way into the environment. Continuous discharge of wastewater contributes to the accumulation of these substances in the environment — where they can be harmful to organisms. This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil scientists, consulting engineers, extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects, and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health. This 9-page fact sheet discusses the sources and impacts of PPCPs and offers common-sense ways we can protect our environment from PPCPs. Written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. SL420/SS633: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)—Part 2 (ufl.edu)

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) or perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are the most widespread and persistent manmade chemicals on earth. Common products that contain PFASs are Teflon pans, non-stick cookware, rain/waterproof jackets (like Gore-Tex), fire-fighting foams, food packaging, carpets, and furniture fabrics. PFASs stay in the environment for a long period of time, which means they can accumulate in organisms to levels that cause harmful effects. This 6-page fact sheet discusses the occurrence, use, exposure, and potential harmful effects of PFASs to humans and the environment, and suggests ways to reduce your exposure to PFSAs. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. (Photos: Thinkstock.com) SL418/SS631: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Perfluoroalkyl Substances (ufl.edu)

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products contain a variety of chemical substances that enter household wastewater from bath and shower, sinks, and washers and ultimately find their way into the environment. Continuous discharge of wastewater contributes to the accumulation of these substances in the environment — where they can be harmful to organisms. This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil scientists, consulting engineers, extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects, and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health. This 5-page fact sheet provides an overview of the use and sale of PPCPs in the United States and the world. Written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. SL419/SS632: Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)—Part 1 (ufl.edu)

Florida is the single largest producer of fresh-market tomatoes in the United States. Driven by urbanization and generation of large amounts of tomato culls, tomato packers in Florida often struggle to find ways to dispose of culls generated during the cleaning and sanitizing of tomatoes. This 5-page fact sheet provides guidelines for appropriate management practices to increase the use of culls produced in tomato packinghouses in Florida. Written by Gurpal Toor, Maninder Chahal, and Bielinski Santos, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, September 2012.

Florida is the single largest producer of fresh-market tomatoes in the United States. Driven by urbanization and generation of large amounts of tomato culls, tomato packers in Florida often struggle to find ways to dispose of culls generated during the cleaning and sanitizing of tomatoes. This 5-page fact sheet provides guidelines for appropriate management practices to increase the use of culls produced in tomato packinghouses in Florida. Written by Gurpal Toor, Maninder Chahal, and Bielinski Santos, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, September 2012.

Florida is the single largest producer of fresh-market tomatoes in the United States. Driven by urbanization and generation of large amounts of tomato culls, tomato packers in Florida often struggle to find ways to dispose of culls generated during the cleaning and sanitizing of tomatoes. This 5-page fact sheet provides guidelines for appropriate management practices to increase the use of culls produced in tomato packinghouses in Florida. Written by Gurpal Toor, Maninder Chahal, and Bielinski Santos, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, September 2012.

A large amount of wastewater is produced in Florida's packinghouses during the cleaning and sanitizing of tomatoes. High transportation costs for off-site disposal and strict surface water discharge regulations are critical issues associated with the management of this wastewater. This 4-page fact sheet provides solutions for increasing the reuse of wastewater in tomato packinghouses in Florida. Written by Gurpal Toor, Maninder Chahal, and Bielinski Santos, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, August 2012.

A large amount of wastewater is produced in Florida's packinghouses during the cleaning and sanitizing of tomatoes. High transportation costs for off-site disposal and strict surface water discharge regulations are critical issues associated with the management of this wastewater. This 4-page fact sheet provides solutions for increasing the reuse of wastewater in tomato packinghouses in Florida. Written by Gurpal Toor, Maninder Chahal, and Bielinski Santos, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, August 2012.

A large amount of wastewater is produced in Florida's packinghouses during the cleaning and sanitizing of tomatoes. High transportation costs for off-site disposal and strict surface water discharge regulations are critical issues associated with the management of this wastewater. This 4-page fact sheet provides solutions for increasing the reuse of wastewater in tomato packinghouses in Florida. Written by Gurpal Toor, Maninder Chahal, and Bielinski Santos, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, August 2012.

Natural systems use the natural processes of wetland ecosystems to both transform and hold on to many of the common pollutants that occur in household wastewater. This 8-page fact sheet briefly describes the principles and added benefits of natural systems. It then focuses on their use for treating small municipal wastewater flows from commercial and residential sites (i.e., septic systems or decentralized wastewater systems). Written by Kiara Winans, Shanin Speas-Frost, Mike Jerauld, Mark Clark, and Gurpal Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, May 2012.

Natural systems use the natural processes of wetland ecosystems to both transform and hold on to many of the common pollutants that occur in household wastewater. This 8-page fact sheet briefly describes the principles and added benefits of natural systems. It then focuses on their use for treating small municipal wastewater flows from commercial and residential sites (i.e., septic systems or decentralized wastewater systems). Written by Kiara Winans, Shanin Speas-Frost, Mike Jerauld, Mark Clark, and Gurpal Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, May 2012.

Natural systems use the natural processes of wetland ecosystems to both transform and hold on to many of the common pollutants that occur in household wastewater. This 8-page fact sheet briefly describes the principles and added benefits of natural systems. It then focuses on their use for treating small municipal wastewater flows from commercial and residential sites (i.e., septic systems or decentralized wastewater systems). Written by Kiara Winans, Shanin Speas-Frost, Mike Jerauld, Mark Clark, and Gurpal Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, May 2012.

Trace organic chemicals are potentially harmful to human and ecosystem health. They frequently occur in wastewater from septic systems and can be found in concentrations orders of magnitude higher than typical concentrations reported in centralized treatment plant wastewater. This 7-page fact sheet identifies common trace organic chemicals of concern in wastewater and their sources, and summarizes current research on the fate and transport of these chemicals in septic systems. Written by Gurpal S. Toor, Mary Lusk, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2011. (photo CC BY-SA 3.0 Mila) SL352/SS554: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Trace Organic Chemicals (ufl.edu)

Trace organic chemicals are potentially harmful to human and ecosystem health. They frequently occur in wastewater from septic systems and can be found in concentrations orders of magnitude higher than typical concentrations reported in centralized treatment plant wastewater. This 7-page fact sheet identifies common trace organic chemicals of concern in wastewater and their sources, and summarizes current research on the fate and transport of these chemicals in septic systems. Written by Gurpal S. Toor, Mary Lusk, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2011. (photo CC BY-SA 3.0 Mila) SL352/SS554: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Trace Organic Chemicals (ufl.edu)

Trace organic chemicals are potentially harmful to human and ecosystem health. They frequently occur in wastewater from septic systems and can be found in concentrations orders of magnitude higher than typical concentrations reported in centralized treatment plant wastewater. This 7-page fact sheet identifies common trace organic chemicals of concern in wastewater and their sources, and summarizes current research on the fate and transport of these chemicals in septic systems. Written by Gurpal S. Toor, Mary Lusk, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2011. (photo CC BY-SA 3.0 Mila) SL352/SS554: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Trace Organic Chemicals (ufl.edu)

Keeping disease-causing microorganisms out of groundwater used for drinking water supplies is important to protect human health. This 7-page fact sheet characterizes the behavior of viruses in septic systems and the soil drain field and summarizes what we know about the extent and character of groundwater contamination with viruses emanating from septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, October 2011. SL351/SS553: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Viruses (ufl.edu)

Keeping disease-causing microorganisms out of groundwater used for drinking water supplies is important to protect human health. This 7-page fact sheet characterizes the behavior of viruses in septic systems and the soil drain field and summarizes what we know about the extent and character of groundwater contamination with viruses emanating from septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, October 2011. SL351/SS553: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Viruses (ufl.edu)

Keeping disease-causing microorganisms out of groundwater used for drinking water supplies is important to protect human health. This 7-page fact sheet characterizes the behavior of viruses in septic systems and the soil drain field and summarizes what we know about the extent and character of groundwater contamination with viruses emanating from septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, October 2011. SL351/SS553: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Viruses (ufl.edu)

Keeping disease-causing microorganisms out of groundwater used for drinking water supplies is important to protect human health. This 7-page fact sheet reports the sources of bacteria and protozoa in wastewater, discusses diseases associated with drinking water contaminated with wastewater, and then details their fate in septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2011. (Photo by Tara Piasio) SL350/SS552: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Bacteria and Protozoa (ufl.edu)

This 8-page fact sheet presents basic information for those using reclaimed water to irrigate lawns and landscapes. The information can serve as a guide to determine whether there is an opportunity to replace some of the fertilizer that might otherwise be applied and to offer guidance on avoiding runoff and leaching of excess nutrients. Written by Christopher J. Martinez, Mark W. Clark, Gurpal S. Toor, George J. Hochmuth, and Lawrence R. Parsons, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, August 2011. (UF/IFAS photo by Marisol Amador)

Phosphorus (P) in onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems is a concern because P can impair water quality even lower concentrations than nitrogen. This 8-page fact sheet summarizes the sources of P in septic tank effluent and the forms, concentrations, and behavior of P in the septic tank effluent and the drain field. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2011. (Photo by Milt Putnam) SL349/SS551: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Phosphorus (ufl.edu)

Keeping disease-causing microorganisms out of groundwater used for drinking water supplies is important to protect human health. This 7-page fact sheet reports the sources of bacteria and protozoa in wastewater, discusses diseases associated with drinking water contaminated with wastewater, and then details their fate in septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2011. (Photo by Tara Piasio) SL350/SS552: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Bacteria and Protozoa (ufl.edu)

This 8-page fact sheet presents basic information for those using reclaimed water to irrigate lawns and landscapes. The information can serve as a guide to determine whether there is an opportunity to replace some of the fertilizer that might otherwise be applied and to offer guidance on avoiding runoff and leaching of excess nutrients. Written by Christopher J. Martinez, Mark W. Clark, Gurpal S. Toor, George J. Hochmuth, and Lawrence R. Parsons, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, August 2011. (UF/IFAS photo by Marisol Amador)

Phosphorus (P) in onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems is a concern because P can impair water quality even lower concentrations than nitrogen. This 8-page fact sheet summarizes the sources of P in septic tank effluent and the forms, concentrations, and behavior of P in the septic tank effluent and the drain field. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2011. (Photo by Milt Putnam) SL349/SS551: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Phosphorus (ufl.edu)

Keeping disease-causing microorganisms out of groundwater used for drinking water supplies is important to protect human health. This 7-page fact sheet reports the sources of bacteria and protozoa in wastewater, discusses diseases associated with drinking water contaminated with wastewater, and then details their fate in septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2011. (Photo by Tara Piasio) SL350/SS552: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Bacteria and Protozoa (ufl.edu)

Phosphorus (P) in onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems is a concern because P can impair water quality even lower concentrations than nitrogen. This 8-page fact sheet summarizes the sources of P in septic tank effluent and the forms, concentrations, and behavior of P in the septic tank effluent and the drain field. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, July 2011. (Photo by Milt Putnam) SL349/SS551: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Phosphorus (ufl.edu)

This 8-page fact sheet presents basic information for those using reclaimed water to irrigate lawns and landscapes. The information can serve as a guide to determine whether there is an opportunity to replace some of the fertilizer that might otherwise be applied and to offer guidance on avoiding runoff and leaching of excess nutrients. Written by Christopher J. Martinez, Mark W. Clark, Gurpal S. Toor, George J. Hochmuth, and Lawrence R. Parsons, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, August 2011. (UF/IFAS photo by Marisol Amador)

In the United States, about 4,800 water bodies are impaired due to excess nitrogen (N), and septic systems are recognized as one source of N pollution. This 6-page fact sheet describes the behavior and transport of N from a conventional septic system and the summarizes the sources of N in sewage, the forms and behavior of N in septic tanks and drain fields, and the fate and transport of N in groundwater. Written by Gurpal Toor, Mary Lusk, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, June 2011. SL348/SS550: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Nitrogen (ufl.edu)

This 7-page fact sheet introduces common types of septic systems and briefly discusses onsite wastewater flow and the contaminants found in wastewater. Written by Gurpal Toor, Mary Lusk, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, June 2011. SL347/SS549: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: An Overview (ufl.edu)