In the reauthorization of the Clean Water Act in 1987, the U.S. EPA specifically addressed toxics management. In addition to the requirement to eliminate discharge of toxics, there can be a requirement to conduct a toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE). The scope of toxicity reduction varies from the very simple and inexpensive to the highly complex and costly. This book, volume three of the Water Quality Management Library, provides a complete overview of toxicity reduction evaluation. The book presents the testing and removal of toxicants, toxicity testing procedures, sampling techniques, baseline collection data, and source identification. Plus, the book presents toxicity reduction methodologies including unit processes necessary for organic toxicant control using biological and physical chemical methodologies as well as selected unit processes necessary for inorganic toxicant control.

Catastrophic events such as the Bhopal, India tragedy and rising incidences of cancer in areas neighboring industrial facilities have heightened concern over the use of toxic chemicals in manufacturing and industry. Based on the authors' research conducted in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this book explores the history of toxic chemical release reporting programs, presents data on the toxicity of chemicals currently in use, discusses variables that contribute to the relative toxicity of a substance, compares existing programs for reducing environmental threats, and provides specific recommendations for reducing or eliminating the use of toxic chemicals.