A study carried out by the Silent Spring Institute (Newton, MA) has identified substantial quantities of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals and flame retardants in the ground water supply of Cape Cod. Older and failing septic system waste water treatment is identified as the leading source of contamination.

 

The comprehensive study compiled concentration data for 34 CECs from 16 published studies to determine their treatment, transport, removal accumulation in the Cape Cod water supply.