Presence of pharmaceutically active compounds in Doñana Park (Spain) main watersheds

Iopamidol Abatement from Waters: A Rigorous Approach to Determine Physicochemical Parameters Needed to Scale Up from Batch to Continuous Operation

The abatement of iopamidol (IPM), an X-ray iodinated contrast agent, in aqueous solution using powdered activated carbon (PAC) as a sorbent was investigated in the present work. The material was characterized by various analytical techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements. Both thermodynamic and kinetic experiments were conducted in a batch apparatus, and the effects of the initial concentration of IPM, the temperature, and the adsorbent bulk density on the adsorption kinetics were investigated. The adsorption isotherms were interpreted well using the Langmuir model. Moreover, it was demonstrated that IPM adsorption on PAC is spontaneous and exothermic (ΔH0 = -27 kJ mol-1). The adsorption kinetic data were described using a dynamic intraparticle model for fluid-solid adsorption kinetics (ADIM) allowing determination of a surface activation energy Es = 6 ± 1 kJ mol-1. Comparing the experimental results and the model predictions, a good model fit was obtained.

Pesticide occurrence in protected surface waters in nature conservation areas of Germany

A complete ban on pesticide use in sensitive areas, such as nature conservation areas (NCA), is currently being debated in the EU as part of the Sustainable Use Regulation. NCA are strictly protected landscapes in Germany with minimal agricultural activity (<4.5 %) that serve as vital ecological refuges. However, it is largely unknown whether surface waters in German NCA are contaminated by pesticides. The current study uses extensive monitoring data (n = 3,822,553 measurements, 1998-2020, 208 pesticides) from the federal state of Saxony (18,416 km²), Germany, to characterize pesticide occurrence, contamination levels and risks (defined as exceedance of regulatory threshold levels) for surface waters in NCA (n = 68,277 measurements, mean size = 2.5 km²) in comparison to unprotected areas (n = 3,754,276). Pesticide detection frequencies show strong correlation between NCA and unprotected areas (UPA, R²= 0.70-0.92), but concentrations to be ∼40 % lower in protected areas. Ecological risk distributions for three major species groups are similar between NCA and UPA (fish = 79.8 % overlap in density distribution, invertebrates = 78.6 %, plants = 81.9 %). Threshold exceedances differ greatly among groups (fish = 0.9 %, aquatic invertebrates = 14.7 %, plants = 20.4 %). Based on principal component analysis, ecological risks for aquatic plants and aquatic invertebrates are strongly correlated with upstream agricultural land use (80.5-82.4 %) and are negatively correlated with upstream (semi)-natural land cover (90.1-97.3 %). Fluvial transport appears to be the most important pathway for contaminants into NCA surface waters, likely due to small conservation area size. Overall, surface waters in NCA are exposed to numerous organic contaminants causing ecological risks, highlighting the need to improve protection of these valuable water resources.

Monitoring of pharmaceuticals in aquatic biota (Procambarus clarkii) of the Doñana National Park (Spain)

In this work the presence of different pharmaceuticals at Doñana National Park (Spain) and their main entry sources (input source or entry points) have been stated over the 2011-2016 years period. Twenty-three selected pharmaceuticals (corresponding to eight therapeutic families) were evaluated in crayfish and water samples from Doñana National Park (Spain) (six sampling points selected in order to cover different possible pollution sources into and surrounding the Park). The multiresidue determination was carried out using enzymatic-microwave assisted extraction prior to high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry detection. Sulphonamides (sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, and sulfamethoxazole); trimethoprim, an antibiotic that is frequently co-administered with sulfamethoxazole; amphenicols (chloramphenicol, florfenicol and thiamphenicol); fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, flumequine, danofloxacin, gatifloxacin, norfloxacin, marbofloxacin and grepafloxacin); penicillins (amoxicillin); tetracyclines (chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (salicylic acid and ibuprofen); beta-blocker drugs (atenolol); and antiepileptics (carbamazepine) were analysed. Ciprofloxacin, ibuprofen, salicylic acid, flumequine, and carbamazepine were detected and/or quantified at some of the selected sampling points. A clear ecotoxicological risk to the ecosystem was demonstrated from the occurrence of ciprofloxacin in samples obtained after the punctual and massive presence of people inside the Park. Furthermore, flumequine and carbamazepine have been detected in Procambarus clarkii specimens in concentrations around 30 ng g^-1 and 14 ng g^-1, respectively, and their occurrence in the specimens could indicate the persistence of the discharge sources. The main source of pharmaceuticals into the Park might be the livestock farming activities, and the influence of urban wastewaters from surrounding villages does not seem to be very important.

Faecal microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes in migratory waterbirds with contrasting habitat use

Migratory birds may have a vital role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance across habitats and regions, but empirical data remain scarce. We investigated differences in the gut microbiome composition and the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in faeces from four migratory waterbirds wintering in South-West Spain that differ in their habitat use. The white stork Ciconia ciconia and lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus are omnivorous and opportunistic birds that use highly anthropogenic habitats such as landfills and urban areas. The greylag goose Anser anser and common crane Grus grus are herbivores and use more natural habitats. Fresh faeces from 15 individuals of each species were analysed to assess the composition of bacterial communities using 16S rRNA amplicon-targeted sequencing, and to quantify the abundance of the Class I integron integrase gene (intI1) as well as genes encoding resistance to sulfonamides (sul1), beta-lactams (bla_TEM, bla_KPC and bla_NDM), tetracyclines (tetW), fluoroquinolones (qnrS), and colistin (mcr-1) using qPCR. Bacterial communities in gull faeces were the richest and most diverse. Beta diversity analysis showed segregation in faecal communities between bird species, but those from storks and gulls were the most similar, these being the species that regularly feed in landfills. Potential bacterial pathogens identified in faeces differed significantly between bird species, with higher relative abundance in gulls. Faeces from birds that feed in landfills (stork and gull) contained a significantly higher abundance of ARGs (sul1, bla_TEM, and tetW). Genes conferring resistance to last resort antibiotics such as carbapenems (bla_KPC) and colistin (mcr-1) were only observed in faeces from gulls. These results show that these bird species are reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and suggest that waterbirds may disseminate antibiotic resistance across environments (e.g., from landfills to ricefields or water supplies), and thus constitute a risk for their further spread to wildlife and humans.

Carbamazepine and Diclofenac Removal Double Treatment: Oxidation and Adsorption

In the present research, the effect of two hybrid treatments, ozone followed by powdered activated carbon (PAC) or PAC followed by ozone (O₃), was studied for the removal of two drugs present in water: diclofenac and carbamazepine. In the study, two initial concentrations of each of the contaminants, 0.7 mg L^-1 and 1.8 mg L^-1, were used. Different doses of PAC between 4-20 mg L^-1 were studied as variables, as well as different doses of O₃ between 0.056-0.280 mg L^-1. The evolution of the concentration of each contaminant over time was evaluated. From the results obtained, it was concluded that the combined treatment with ozone followed by PAC reduces between 50% and 75% the time required to achieve 90% removal of diclofenac when compared with the time required when only activated carbon was used. In the case of carbamazepine, the time required was 97% less. For carbamazepine, to achieve reduction percentages of up to 90%, O₃ treatment followed by PAC acted faster than PAC followed by O₃. In the case of diclofenac, PAC treatment followed by O₃ was faster to reach concentrations of up to 90%. However, to reach yields below 80%, O₃ treatment followed by PAC was more efficient.

Emerging pollutants in Nigeria: A systematic review

Emerging pollutants represent a group of synthetic or naturally occurring compounds that are not normally monitored within the environment but can enter into the environment and cause different adverse ecological and health effects. This systematic review identified the various emerging pollutants in Nigeria. The following databases, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals OnLine (AJOL) were searched to identify studies on pollutants of emerging concerns in Nigeria. A total of 933 articles were identified out of which 30 articles were selected to be eligible for the study. Over 250 emerging pollutants were identified and divided into 9 major groups which are personal care products, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, mycotoxins, radionuclides and electromagnetic radiations (Gamma radiation) and other pollutants of emerging concerns such as microbes, microplastics, and particulate matter. These pollutants are found in water bodies and underground waters, soils and sediments, biological systems, and ambient air at different concentrations with seasonal variations. Some of these pollutants act as endocrine disruptors, β-adrenergic receptors agonist blockers, oxidative stress inducers and can cause genetic alterations in DNA and epigenetic reprogramming through global DNA methylation, gene-specific CpG methylation and microRNA expression. Emerging pollutants of public health concern in Nigeria are on the increase and are threat to both ecological and human health.

Uptake study in Juncus sp. and Salicornia europaea of six pharmaceuticals by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In this work, eight plants of Juncus sp. and ten of Salicornia europaea were used for an uptake assay of pharmaceuticals (flumequine, cirpofloxacin, enrofloxacin, carbamazepine, diclofenac and ibuprofen) by irrigation at three concentration levels: 10 ng mL^-1 (low level); 700 ng mL^-1 (medium level) and 10 μg mL^-1 (high level). Two plants irrigated with pharmaceutical-free water were set up as controls. For each level, two plants were watered every day with 50 mL (Juncus sp.) and every two days with 20 mL (Salicornia europaea) of aqueous solutions containing all the analytes at the described concentrations. Plants irrigated at 10 μg mL^-1 were significantly the most affected, whereas the rest of the plants remained, in general, largely displayed no apparent physiological effects throughout the 30 days (Juncus sp.) and 21 days (Salicornia europaea) assays. Leaves and stems were cut every seven days and roots were collected at the end of the assay. The samples were lyophilized, submitted to a microwave assisted extraction using 5 mL of acetonitrile:water mixture (1:1, v/v) and they were analyzed (in triplicate) in a liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry instrument. Most of the analytes were quantified in many of the samples corresponding to the three exposure levels with the highest concentrations obtained at high exposure levels. Ibuprofen was not detected in any sample and enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and diclofenac were not detected in the samples from Salicornia europaea.

Alginate-based hydrogels modified with olive pomace and lignin to removal organic pollutants from aqueous solutions

In this study, new hybrid biopolymers based on alginate and low cost materials belong lignocellulose group such as lignin and olive pomace were used to removal organic pollutants. The organic carbon content, granule size, average mass, zero charge point, water uptake and swelling of the resulting alginate-based modified adsorbents were measured. The homogeneity, complexity and encapsulation viability of the novel biopolymers were studied by FT-IR, TGA and SEM. As model of emerging contaminants belong to glucocorticoids group prednisolone drug was selected. 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) was chosen as aniline derivate pollutant. The efficiency of the bioadsorbents to removal 3,4-dichloroaniline and prednisolone was performed by kinetic and equilibrium batch adsorption studies. The experimental data was found well correlated to the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The adsorption of 3,4-DCA and prednisolone was mainly affected by the organic carbon content of the bioadsorbent. A higher adsorption capacity was observed for lignin-alginate based bioadsorbents. The removal efficiency was higher than 90% for 3,4-DCA in all prepared bioadsorbents, reached up to 49% for prednisolone using the bioadsorbent with the higher lignin content. These results suggest the promising potential for the prepared eco-friendly bioadsorbents to removal organic pollutants from water, mainly for aniline derivate such as 3,4-DCA.

Exposure and potential effects of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in protected streams of the US National park Service southeast region

Globally, protected areas offer refugia for a broad range of taxa including threatened and endangered species. In the United States (US), the National Park Service (NPS) manages public lands to preserve biodiversity, but increasing park visitation and development of surrounding landscapes increase exposure to and effects from bioactive contaminants. The risk (exposure and hazard) to NPS protected-stream ecosystems within the highly urbanized southeast region (SER) from bioactive contaminants was assessed in five systems based on 334 pesticide and pharmaceutical analytes in water and 119 pesticides in sediment. Contaminant mixtures were common across all sampled systems, with approximately 24% of the unique analytes (80/334) detected at least once and 15% (49/334) detected in half of the surface-water samples. Pharmaceuticals were observed more frequently than pesticides, consistent with riparian buffers and concomitant spatial separation from non-point pesticide sources in four of the systems. To extrapolate exposure data to biological effects space, site-specific cumulative exposure-activity ratios (Σ_EAR) were calculated for detected surface-water contaminants with available ToxCast data; common exceedances of a 0.001 Σ_EAR effects-screening threshold raise concerns for molecular toxicity and possible, sub-lethal effects to non-target, aquatic vertebrates. The results illustrate the need for continued management of protected resources to reduce contaminant exposure and preserve habitat quality, including prioritization of conservation practices (riparian buffers) near stream corridors and increased engagement with upstream/up-gradient property owners and municipal wastewater facilities.

The cardiovascular toxicity induced by high doses of gatifloxacin and ciprofloxacin in zebrafish

As a new type of pollutant, fluoroquinolones (FQs) antibiotics are ubiquitous in environment and have some threat to human health and ecological environment. Their ecological toxicity to the environment urgently need to be assessed. Therefore, we firstly explored the toxic effects and possible mechanism of cardiovascular toxicity induced by gatifloxacin (GTFX) and ciprofloxacin (CPFX) using zebrafish model. After 24 h exposure, the zebrafish treated with GTFX showed pericardial edema which was further investigated by histopathological examination, while CPFX exposure did not induce morphological abnormalities. However, both of them induced cardiac dysfunction, such as decreased heart rate and cardiac output which was showed a positive correlation with the concentration. To better understand the possible molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular toxicity in zebrafish, we investigated the transcriptional level of genes related to calcium signaling pathway and cardiac muscle contraction. The results indicated that the expression of ATPase (atp2a1l) and cardiac troponin C (tnnc1a) genes were significantly inhibited, the expression of calcium channel (cacna1ab) gene showed slight promoted trend after CPFX exposure. For zebrafish treated with GTFX, the expression of atp2a1l genes was also significantly inhibited, while the expression of tnnc1a genes was slightly inhibited and cacna1ab genes expression had no obvious effect. The present study firstly revealed that GTFX exposure can induce morphological and functional abnormalities on the cardiovascular system of zebrafish. Though CPFX exposure did not induce morphological abnormalities, the function of cardiovascular system was still damaged. Mechanistically, this toxicity might result from the pressure of down-regulation of genes associated with calcium signaling pathway and cardiac muscle contraction. The results of this study can provide a valuable theoretical basis for the establishment of FQs environmental quality standards in water environment, environmental drug regulation and risk management.

Liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry determination of six pharmaceuticals in vegetal biota. Uptake study in Lavandula dentata

A procedure based on microwave assisted extraction for the determination of 6 pharmaceuticals in samples of Lavandula dentata, Salicornia ramosissima and Juncus sp. by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) was optimized and validated. Best results were obtained using microwave assisted extraction of 1.0g of homogeneous lyophilized samples and 5mL of a mixture ACN:H₂O (1:1 v/v) as extracting solvent. Analytical recoveries ranged from 60 to 107% with relative standard deviation (RSD) lower than 15%. Limits of quantitation (LOQ) for the 6 pharmaceuticals flumequine (FLM), carbamazepine (CBZ), ciprofloxacin (CPR), enrofloxacin (ENR), diclofenac (DCL), and ibuprofen (IBU) were in the range 20.8-125ngg^-1. The method was satisfactory applied for an uptake study in Lavandula dentata samples finding quantifying concentrations of FLM and CBZ in roots, leaf and stem.

Implementing ecopharmacovigilance (EPV) from a pharmacy perspective: A focus on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Environmental experts have made great efforts to control pharmaceutical pollution. However, the control of emerged environmental problems caused by medicines should draw more attention of pharmacy and pharmacovigilance researchers. Ecopharmacovigilance (EPV) as a kind of pharmacovigilance for the environment is recognized worldwide as crucial to minimize the environmental risk of pharmaceutical pollutants. But continuing to treat the pollution of pharmaceuticals as a group of substances instead of targeting individual pharmaceuticals on a prioritized basis will lead to a significant waste of resources. Considering vulture population decline caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) residues, we presented a global-scale analysis of 139 reports of NSAIDs occurrence across 29 countries, in order to provide a specific context for implementing EPV. We found a heavy regional bias toward research in Europe, Asia and America. The top 5 most frequently studied NSAIDs included ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, acetaminophen and ketoprofen. The profile of NSAIDs was dominated by acetaminophen in wastewater influents and effluents. Ibuprofen was the most abundant NSAID in surface water. Only 9 NSAIDs were reported in groundwater samples. And majority of NSAIDs were detected in solid matrices at below 1μg/g except for ketoprofen, diclofenac and ibuprofen. From a pharmacy perspective, we get some implication and propose some management practice options for EPV implementation. These include: Further popularizing and applying the concept of EPV, together with developing relevant regulatory guidance, is necessary; More attention should be paid to how to implement EPV for the pollution control of older established drugs; Triggering "a dynamic watch-list mechanism" in conjunction with "source control"; Implementing targeted sewage treatment technologies and strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration; Pharmaceutical levels in aquatic organisms as biological indicators for monitoring pharmaceutical pollution within the water environment; Upgrading drinking water treatment plants with the aim of removing pharmaceutical residues; Paying more attention to EPV for pharmaceuticals in solid matrices.

Ecotoxicological risk assessment of chosen pharmaceuticals detected in surface waters

The goal of this work was to assess the risk posed by the presence of ciprofloxacin, 17α-ethinylestradiol and 5-fluorouracil in aquatic ecosystems based on chronic single-species ecotoxicological tests. There were 23 species used in this study: one cyanobacterium, three green algae, one higher plant, one protozoan, two crustaceans, two fish, 12 bacteria and one fungus (yeast). The risk assessment was performed on the basis of the PEC/PNEC ratio (PEC - predicted environmental concentration, PNEC - predicted no-effect concentration). PNEC was calculated using an assessment factor and statistical extrapolation models. The risk in relation to aquatic organisms proved to be high. The potentially affected fraction of aquatic species in the presence of pharmaceutical active ingredients, depending on the calculation method and the selected concentration in surface waters (predicted or measured), ranged from 6.26 to 27.84% for ciprofloxacin, 2.13 to 18.74% for 17α-ethinylestradiol and 4.96 to 39.28% for 5-fluorouracil. The study indicates several gaps in the existing guidelines, which may be considered within the guideline-revision process.

Transcriptome analysis of the brain of the sea bream (Sparus aurata) after exposure to human pharmaceuticals at realistic environmental concentrations

Human pharmaceuticals such as Acetaminophen, Atenolol and Carbamazepine are pseudo persistent aquatic pollutants with yet unknown sub-lethal effects at environmentally relevant concentrations. Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) were exposed to Acetaminophen: 31.90 ± 11.07 μg L^-1; Atenolol: 0.95 ± 0.38 μg L^-1 and Carbamazepine: 6.95 ± 0.13 μg L^-1 in a 28 day flow through experiment to (1) determine whether exposure to low concentrations in the μg·L^-1 range of the pharmaceuticals alters the brain transcriptome and, (2) identify different expression profiles and treatment specific modes of action and pathways. Despite low exposure concentrations, 411, 7 and 612 differently expressed transcripts were identified in the individual treatments with Acetaminophen, Atenolol and Carbamazepine, respectively. Functional analyses of differentially expressed genes revealed a significant over representation of several biological processes, cellular compartment features and molecular functions for both Acetaminophen and Carbamazepine treatments. Overall, the results obtained in seabream brain suggest similar physiological responses to those observed in humans also at environmental concentrations, as well as the existence of treatment specific processes that may be useful for the development of biomarkers of contamination.

Zr-doped TiO2 supported on delaminated clay materials for solar photocatalytic treatment of emerging pollutants

Solar light-active Zr-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were successfully immobilized on delaminated clay materials by a one-step sol-gel route. Fixing the amount of TiO₂ at 65wt.%, this work studies the influence of Zr loading (up to 2%) on the photocatalytic activity of the resulting Zr-doped TiO₂/clay materials. The structural characterization demonstrates that all samples were formed by a delaminated clay with nanostructured anatase assembled on its surface. The Zr dopant was successfully incorporated into the anatase lattice, resulting in a slight deformation of the anatase crystal and the reduction of the band gap. These materials exhibit high surface area with a disordered mesoporous structure formed by TiO₂ particles (15-20nm) supported on a delaminated clay. They were tested in the solar photodegradation of antipyrine, usually used as an analgesic drug and selected as an example of emerging pollutant. High degradation rates have been obtained at low antipyrine concentrations and high solar irradiation intensities with the Zr-doped TiO₂/clay catalyst, more effective than the undoped one. This work demonstrates the potential application of the synthesis method for preparing novel and efficient solar-light photocatalysts based on metal-doped anatase and a delaminated clay.

Interaction between U and Th on their uptake, distribution, and toxicity in V S. alfredii based on the phytoremediation of U and Th

Variant Sedum alfredii Hance (V S. alfredii) could simultaneously take up U and Th from water with the highest concentrations recorded as 1.84 × 10⁴ and 6.72 × 10³ mg/kg in the roots, respectively. Th stimulated U uptake by V S. alfredii roots at Th₁₀ (10 μM of Th), however, the opposite was observed at Th₁₀₀ (100 μM of Th). A similar result was found in the effect of U on the uptake of Th by V S. alfredii. Subcellular fractionation studies of V S. alfredii indicated that U and Th were mainly stored in cell wall fraction, and much less was found in organelle and soluble fractions. Chemical form examination results showed that water-soluble U and Th were the predominant chemical forms in this plant. Addition of the other radionuclide in aqueous solutions altered the concentration and percentage of U or Th in cell wall fraction and in water-soluble form, resulting in the change of the uptake capacity of U or Th by V S. alfredii roots. Comparing with single U or Th treatment, the plant cells revealed more swollen chloroplasts and enhanced thickening in cell walls under the U₁₀₀ + Th₁₀₀ treatment, as observed by TEM. Those results collectively displayed that V S. alfredii may be utilized as a potential plant to simultaneously remove U and Th from aqueous solutions (rhizofiltration).

In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assessment of selected pharmaceuticals in relation to Escherichia coli and Cyprinus carpio

Genotoxicity studies (using SOS chromotest and comet assay) of Escherichia coli and carp (Cyprinus carpio) were performed for three pharmaceutically active compounds, ciprofloxacin, 17α-ethinylestradiol and 5-fluorouracil, used in the treatment of humans. The values of genotoxicity induction coefficient (I) in the SOS chromotest clearly showed genotoxicity for ciprofloxacin, both in the presence and in the absence of S9 fraction; 17α-ethinylestradiol demonstrated slight genotoxicity at the highest tested concentration; and 5-fluorouracil did not induce genotoxic effects in Escherichia coli mutants. Statistical analysis of the results of the comet assay revealed significant differences in cell populations derived from carp placed in a solution of 5-fluorouracil in comparison with the negative control. Statistical analysis also showed a significant increase of "% DNA in tail" of comets in cell populations incubated in solutions of 17α-ethinylestradiol at concentrations of 10000, 2000 and 400 µg/L and in solutions of 5-fluorouracil with S9 fraction at concentrations of 50,000 and 2,000 μg/L in comparison with the negative controls.

Multi-residue enantiomeric analysis of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and their metabolites in environmental samples by chiral liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry detection

Enantiomeric profiling of chiral pharmacologically active compounds (PACs) in the environment has hardly been investigated. This manuscript describes, for the first time, a multi-residue enantioselective method for the analysis of human and veterinary chiral PACs and their main metabolites from different therapeutic groups in complex environmental samples such as wastewater and river water. Several analytes targeted in this paper have not been analysed in the environment at enantiomeric level before. These are aminorex, carboxyibuprofen, carprofen, cephalexin, 3-N-dechloroethylifosfamide, 10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxycarbamazepine, dihydroketoprofen, fenoprofen, fexofenadine, flurbiprofen, 2-hydroxyibuprofen, ifosfamide, indoprofen, mandelic acid, 2-phenylpropionic acid, praziquantel and tetramisole. The method is based on chiral liquid chromatography utilising a chiral α1-acid glycoprotein column and tandem mass spectrometry detection. Excellent chromatographic separation of enantiomers (Rs≥1.0) was achieved for chloramphenicol, fexofenadine, ifosfamide, naproxen, tetramisole, ibuprofen and their metabolites: aminorex and dihydroketoprofen (three of four enantiomers), and partial separation (Rs = 0.7-1.0) was achieved for ketoprofen, praziquantel and the following metabolites: 3-N-dechloroethylifosfamide and 10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxycarbamazepine. The overall performance of the method was satisfactory for most of the compounds targeted. Method detection limits were at low nanogram per litre for surface water and effluent wastewater. Method intra-day precision was on average under 20% and sample pre-concentration using solid phase extraction yielded recoveries >70% for most of the analytes. This novel, selective and sensitive method has been applied for the quantification of chiral PACs in surface water and effluent wastewater providing excellent enantioresolution of multicomponent mixtures in complex environmental samples. It will help with better understanding of the role of individual enantiomers in the environment and will enable more accurate environmental risk assessment.

Ecotoxicological evaluation of propranolol hydrochloride and losartan potassium to Lemna minor L. (1753) individually and in binary mixtures

Antihypertensive pharmaceuticals, including the beta-blockers, are one of the most detected therapeutic classes in the environment. The ecotoxicity of propranolol hydrochloride and losartan potassium was evaluated, both individually and combined in a binary mixture, by using the Lemna minor growth inhibition test. The endpoints evaluated in the single-pharmaceutical tests were frond number, total frond area and fresh weight. For the evaluation of the mixture toxicity, the selected endpoint was frond number. Water quality criteria values (WQC) were derived for the protection of freshwater and saltwater pelagic communities regarding the effects induced by propranolol and losartan using ecotoxicological data from the literature, including our data. The risks associated with both pharmaceutical effects on non-target organisms were quantified through the measured environmental concentration (MEC)/predicted-no-effect concentration (PNEC) ratios. For propranolol, the total frond area was the most sensitive endpoint (EC50 = 77.3 mg L(-1)), while for losartan there was no statistically significant difference between the endpoints. Losartan is only slightly more toxic than propranolol. Both concentration addition and independent action models overestimated the mixture toxicity of the pharmaceuticals at all the effect concentration levels evaluated. The joint action of both pharmaceuticals showed an antagonistic interaction to L. minor. Derived WQC assumed lower values for propranolol than for losartan. The MEC/PNEC ratios showed that propranolol may pose a risk for the most sensitive aquatic species, while acceptable risks posed by losartan were estimated for most of aquatic matrices. To the authors knowledge these are the first data about losartan toxicity for L. minor.

Evaluation of pharmaceuticals in surface water: reliability of PECs compared to MECs

Due to the current analytical processes that are not able to measure all the pharmaceutical molecules and to the high costs and the consumption of time to sample and analyze PhACs, models to calculate Predicted Environmental Concentrations (PECs) have been developed. However a comparison between MECs and PECs, taking into account the methods of calculations and peculiarly the parameters included in the calculation (consumption data, pharmacokinetic parameters, elimination rate in STPs and in the environment), is necessary to assess the validity of PECs. MEC variations of sixteen target PhACs [acetaminophen (ACE), amlodipine (AML), atenolol (ATE), caffeine (CAF), carbamazepine (CAR), doxycycline (DOX), epoxycarbamazepine (EPO), fluvoxamine (FLU), furosemide (FUR), hydrochlorothiazide (HYD), ifosfamide (IFO), losartan (LOS), pravastatin (PRA), progesterone (PROG), ramipril (RAM), trimetazidine (TRI)] have been evaluated during one hydrological cycle, from October 2011 to October 2012 and compared to PECs calculated by using an adaptation of the models proposed by Heberer and Feldmann (2005) and EMEA (2006). Comparison of PECs and MECS has been achieved for six molecules: ATE, CAR, DOX, FUR, HYD and PRA. DOX, FUR and HYD present differences between PECs and MECs on an annual basis but their temporal evolutions follow the same trends. PEC evaluation for these PhACs could then be possible but need some adjustments of consumption patterns, pharmacokinetic parameters and/or mechanisms of (bio)degradation. ATE, CAR and PRA are well modeled; PECs can then be used as reliable estimation of concentrations without any reserve.

Ozonation of wastewater: removal and transformation products of drugs of abuse

In this study amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BE), ketamine (KET) and oxycodone (OXY) in wastewater at concentrations of 100 μgL(-1) were subjected to ozone to determine their removals as a function of ozone dose and to identify significant oxidation transformation products (OTPs) produced as a result of ozonation. A method based on high resolution mass spectrometry and differential analysis was used to facilitate and accelerate the identification and structural elucidation of the transformation products. The drug removal ranged from 3 to 50% depending on the complexity of the matrix and whether a mixture or individual drugs were ozonated. Both transient and persistent oxidation transformation products were identified for MDMA, COC and OXY and their chemical formulae were determined. Three possible structures of the persistent transformation product of MDMA (OTP-213) with chemical formula C10H16O4N, were determined based on MS(n) mass spectra and the most plausible structure (OTP-213a) was determined based on the chemistry of ozone. These results indicate that ozone is capable of removing drugs of abuse from wastewater to varying extents and that persistent transformation products are produced as a result of treatment.

Sonochemical degradation of a pharmaceutical waste, atenolol, in aqueous medium

Atenolol is a β-blocker drug and an identified emerging pollutant. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) utilise the reaction of a highly oxidising species (hydroxyl radicals, (•)OH) for the mineralisation of emerging pollutants since conventional treatment methodologies generally fail to degrade these compounds. In the present work, degradation of atenolol was carried out using ultrasound with frequencies ranging from 200 kHz to 1 MHz as a source of hydroxyl radical. The degradation was monitored by HPLC, total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction and ion chromatography (IC). Nearly 90 % of degradation of atenolol was observed with ultrasound having 350 kHz. Both frequency and power of ultrasound affect the efficiency of degradation. Nearly 100 % degradation was obtained at a pH of 4. Presence of various additives such as sodium dodecyl sulphate, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate and bicarbonate was found to reduce the efficiency of degradation. Although nearly 100 % degradation of atenolol was observed under various experimental conditions, only about 62 % mineralisation (from TOC and COD measurements) was obtained. Nearly eight intermediate products were identified using high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF). These products were understood as the results of hydroxyl radical addition to atenolol. The degradation studies were also carried out in river water which also showed a similar degradation profile. A mechanism of degradation and mineralisation is presented.

Occurrence and suitability of pharmaceuticals and personal care products as molecular markers for raw wastewater contamination in surface water and groundwater

This study aimed to provide the first and comprehensive data on the occurrence of 17 target pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in urban water environment in Singapore. Meanwhile, this study also verified the suitability of these PPCPs as specific markers of raw wastewater contamination in receiving water bodies in highly urbanized areas where both surface water and groundwater are not impacted by the discharge of treated wastewater effluents. Analytical results of wastewater showed that among 17 target PPCPs examined, only 5 PPCPs were detected in 100 % of raw wastewater samples, including acetaminophen (ACT), carbamazepine (CBZ), caffeine (CF), diethyltoluamide (DEET), and salicylic acid (SA). Similarly, these PPCPs were found in most surface water and groundwater. Interestingly, the three PPCPs (ACT, CBZ, and SA) were only detected in surface water and groundwater in the sampling sites close to relatively older sewer systems, while they were absent in background samples that were collected from the catchment with no known wastewater sources. This suggests that ACT, CBZ, and SA can be used as specific molecular markers of raw wastewater in surface water and groundwater. This study also confirmed that CF and DEET were not really associated with wastewater sources, thus cannot serve well as specific molecular markers of wastewater contamination in receiving water bodies. To the best knowledge of the authors, the use of ACT and SA as specific molecular markers of raw wastewater contamination in urban surface waters and groundwater was first reported. Further studies on the use of ACT, CBZ, and SA along with other chemical/microbial markers are recommended to identify and differentiate contamination sources of surface waters/groundwater.

Integrated Risk Index of Chemical Aquatic Pollution (IRICAP): case studies in Iberian rivers

The hazard of chemical compounds can be prioritized according to their PBT (persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity) properties by using Self-Organizing Maps (SOM). The objective of the present study was to develop an Integrated Risk Index of Chemical Aquatic Pollution (IRICAP), useful to evaluate the risk associated to the exposure of chemical mixtures contained in river waters. Four Spanish river basins were considered as case-studies: Llobregat, Ebro, Jucar and Guadalquivir. A SOM-based hazard index (HI) was estimated for 205 organic compounds. IRICAP was calculated as the product of the HI by the concentration of each pollutant, and the results of all substances were aggregated. Finally, Pareto distribution was applied to the ranked lists of compounds in each site to prioritize those chemicals with the most significant incidence on the IRICAP. According to the HI outcomes, perfluoroalkyl substances, as well as specific illicit drugs and UV filters, were among the most hazardous compounds. Xylazine was identified as one of the chemicals with the highest contribution to the total IRICAP value in the different river basins, together with other pharmaceutical products such as loratadine and azaperol. These organic compounds should be proposed as target chemicals in the implementation of monitoring programs by regulatory organizations.

Economic valuation of environmental benefits of removing pharmaceutical and personal care products from WWTP effluents by ozonation

Continuous release of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) present in effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is nowadays leading to the adoption of specific measures within the framework of the Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive). The ozonation process, normally employed for drinking water production, has also proven its potential to eliminate PPCPs from secondary effluents in spite of their low concentrations. However, there is a significant drawback related with the costs associated with its implementation. This lack of studies is especially pronounced regarding the economic valuation of the environmental benefits associated to avoid the discharge of these pollutants into water bodies. For the first time the shadow prices of 5 PPCPs which are ethynilestradiol, sulfamethoxazole, diclofenac, tonalide and galaxolide from treated effluent using a pilot-scale ozonation reactor have been estimated. From non-sensitive areas their values are -73.73; -34.95; -42.20; -10.98; and -8.67 respectively and expressed in €/kg. They represent a proxy to the economic value of the environmental benefits arisen from undischarged pollutants. This paper contributes to value the environmental benefits of implementing post-treatment processes aimed to achieve the quality standards required by the Priority Substances Directive.

Application of solar AOPs and ozonation for elimination of micropollutants in municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents

Conventional municipal wastewater treatment plants are not able to entirely degrade some organic pollutants that end up in the environment. Within this group of contaminants, Emerging Contaminants are mostly unregulated compounds that may be candidates for future regulation. In this work, different advanced technologies: solar heterogeneous photocatalysis with TiO(2), solar photo-Fenton and ozonation, are studied as tertiary treatments for the remediation of micropollutants present in real municipal wastewater treatment plants effluents at pilot plant scale. Contaminants elimination was followed by Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole ion trap Mass Spectrometry analysis after a pre-concentration 100:1 by automatic solid phase extraction. 66 target micropollutants were identified and quantified. 16 of those contaminants at initial concentrations over 1000 ng L(-1), made up over 88% of the initial total effluent pollutant load. The order of micropollutants elimination efficiency under the experimental conditions evaluated was solar photo-Fenton > ozonation > solar heterogeneous photocatalysis with TiO(2). Toxicity analyses by Vibrio fischeri and respirometric tests showed no significant changes in the effluent toxicity after the three tertiary treatments application. Solar photo-Fenton and ozonation treatments were also compared from an economical point of view.

Ibuprofen reduces zebrafish PGE(2) levels but steroid hormone levels and reproductive parameters are not affected

Prostaglandins are important regulators of reproductive function in fish. Analgesics like aspirin and ibuprofen are prostaglandin inhibitors and have been detected in freshwater systems at ng/L-μg/L levels. We investigated whether ibuprofen would affect prostaglandin and sex steroid hormone levels in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) and if expression levels of genes involved in steroidogenesis and prostaglandin synthesis were affected. Zebrafish were exposed to moderate concentrations of ibuprofen (21, 201 or 506 μg/L) for 7 days in a semi-static test system. Ibuprofen concentrations were close to nominal levels and decreased by a maximum of 12-13% over 24 h. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels in whole body homogenates of males and ovaries of females decreased in a monotonic dose-response relationship whereas male 11-ketotestosterone levels and ovarian 17β-estradiol levels remained unchanged. Ibuprofen did not have an influence on vitellogenin levels, female gonadosomatic index or cumulative egg production and no dose-response relationship in ovarian and testicular expression levels of the investigated genes was observed. This study shows that ibuprofen reduces PGE(2) levels in male and female zebrafish but has no consistent effects on other investigated reproductive parameters.

Evaluation of removal efficiency for acute toxicity and genotoxicity on zebrafish in anoxic-oxic process from selected municipal wastewater treatment plants

The anoxic-oxic (A/O) process has been extensively applied for simultaneous removal of organic contaminants and nitrogen in wastewater treatment. However, very little is known about its ability to remove toxic materials. Municipal wastewater contains various kinds of pollutants, some of which have recalcitrant genotoxicity and may cause potential threat to environment, and even can lead to extinction of many species. In this study, we have selected three municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) employing anoxic-oxic (A/O) process to evaluate their ability to remove acute toxicity and genotoxicity of wastewater. Mortality rate of zebrafish (Danio rerio) was used to evaluate acute toxicity, while micronucleus (MN) and comet assays were used to detect genotoxicity. Results showed that in this process the acute toxicity was completely removed as the treatment proceeded along with decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) (<50 mgL(-1)) in the effluent. However, in these treatment processes the genotoxicity was not significantly reduced, but an increase in genotoxicity was observed. Both MN and comet assays showed similar results. The eliminated effluent may pose genotoxic threaten although its COD level has met the Chinese Sewage Discharge Standard. This study suggests that further treatment of the wastewater is required after the A/O process to remove the genotoxicity and minimize the ecotoxicological risk.

Global synthesis and critical evaluation of pharmaceutical data sets collected from river systems

Pharmaceuticals have emerged as a major group of environmental contaminants over the past decade but relatively little is known about their occurrence in freshwaters compared to other pollutants. We present a global-scale analysis of the presence of 203 pharmaceuticals across 41 countries and show that contamination is extensive due to widespread consumption and subsequent disposal to rivers. There are clear regional biases in current understanding with little work outside North America, Europe, and China, and no work within Africa. Within individual countries, research is biased around a small number of populated provinces/states and the majority of research effort has focused upon just 14 compounds. Most research has adopted sampling techniques that are unlikely to provide reliable and representative data. This analysis highlights locations where concentrations of antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, painkillers, contrast media, and antiepileptic drugs have been recorded well above thresholds known to cause toxic effects in aquatic biota. Studies of pharmaceutical occurrence and effects need to be seen as a global research priority due to increasing consumption, particularly among societies with aging populations. Researchers in all fields of environmental management need to work together more effectively to identify high risk compounds, improve the reliability and coverage of future monitoring studies, and develop new mitigation measures.

Modeling the photodegradation of emerging contaminants in waters by UV radiation and UV/H2O2 system

Five emerging contaminants (1-H-Benzotriazole, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide or DEET, Chlorophene, 3-Methylindole, and Nortriptyline HCl), frequently found in surface waters and wastewaters, were selected to be photooxidized in several water matrices. Previous degradation experiments of these compounds individually dissolved in ultra pure water were performed by using UV radiation at 254 nm and the Fenton's reagent. These oxidation systems allowed the determination of the quantum yields and the rate constants for the radical reaction between each compound and hydroxyl radicals. Later, the simultaneous photodegradation of mixtures of the selected ECs in several types of water (ultrapure water, reservoir water, and two effluents from WWTPs) was carried out and a kinetic study was conducted. A model is proposed for the ECs elimination, and the theoretically calculated concentrations with this model agreed well with the experimental results obtained, which confirmed that it constitutes an excellent tool to predict the elimination of these compounds in waters.

Risk assessment on the presence of pharmaceuticals in sediments, soils and waters of the Pego-Oliva Marshlands (Valencia, eastern Spain)

This study is focused on the occurrence of 17 pharmaceuticals in waters (34 samples), sediments (16 samples) and soils (23 samples, at two different depths) in a typical Mediterranean coastal wetland (Pego-Oliva marsh, Spain). Soil and sediment samples were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). Aqueous extracts from PLE and water samples were concentrated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and determined by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Pharmaceuticals were detected in concentrations up to 112 ng/L in water samples, up to 15.1 ng/g sediments and up to 8.4 ng/g in soil. In surface waters, ibuprofen and codeine were the compounds more frequently detected (up to 59 ng/L and 63 ng/L, respectively). Ground and tap water samples analyzed were also contaminated with pharmaceuticals. The 94% of sediments and the 80% of agricultural soils were polluted (mostly by carbamazepine and acetaminophen). Diffusion of codeine and fluoroquinolones to deeper soil horizons was observed. Possible relationships between variables were established by Pearson correlations and principal components analysis (PCA). An environmental risk assessment based on the available long-term data was performed. Results showed actual risk for the lowest trophic level, and for fishes, due to the presence of fluoroquinolones and ibuprofen. Nevertheless, the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is not limited only to an ecological problem since contamination also affects drinking water, being a potential risk to human health.

Monitoring the occurrence of emerging contaminants in treated wastewater and groundwater between 2008 and 2010. The Baix Llobregat (Barcelona, Spain)

The occurrence of 166 emerging compounds and four heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Hg and Pb) in treated wastewater and groundwater has been monitored at the Llobregat delta (Barcelona, Spain) over a period of 3 years. Selected compounds were pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PCPs), dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and priority substances included in the 2008/105/CE Directive. Analysis was performed in tertiary treated wastewater (TWW), after an additional treatment of ultrafiltration reverse osmosis and UV disinfection, and groundwater from a deep confined aquifer. This aquifer is artificially recharged with TWW through injection wells. After the advanced treatment, 38 pharmaceuticals, 9 PCPs, 9 pesticides and 7 PAHs still showed a frequency of detection higher than 25% in the TWW, although at low concentration levels (ng/l). Not all active compounds found in the TWW were present in groundwater, indicating possible degradation within the aquifer media after the injection. A number of chemicals, mainly 10 pesticides and 10 pharmaceuticals were only present in groundwater samples, confirming a different origin than the injected TWW, probably agricultural activities and/or infiltration of poorly treated wastewater.

Psychoactive pharmaceuticals induce fish gene expression profiles associated with human idiopathic autism

Idiopathic autism, caused by genetic susceptibility interacting with unknown environmental triggers, has increased dramatically in the past 25 years. Identifying environmental triggers has been difficult due to poorly understood pathophysiology and subjective definitions of autism. The use of antidepressants by pregnant women has been associated with autism. These and other unmetabolized psychoactive pharmaceuticals (UPPs) have also been found in drinking water from surface sources, providing another possible exposure route and raising questions about human health consequences. Here, we examined gene expression patterns of fathead minnows treated with a mixture of three psychoactive pharmaceuticals (fluoxetine, venlafaxine & carbamazepine) in dosages intended to be similar to the highest observed conservative estimates of environmental concentrations. We conducted microarray experiments examining brain tissue of fish exposed to individual pharmaceuticals and a mixture of all three. We used gene-class analysis to test for enrichment of gene sets involved with ten human neurological disorders. Only sets associated with idiopathic autism were unambiguously enriched. We found that UPPs induce autism-like gene expression patterns in fish. Our findings suggest a new potential trigger for idiopathic autism in genetically susceptible individuals involving an overlooked source of environmental contamination.

Treatment of emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) effluents by solar photocatalysis using low TiO2 concentrations

The optimal photocatalyst concentration for industrial wastewater treatment in current photoreactor designs is several hundreds of milligrams per liter. However, the elimination of emerging contaminants (ECs), which are present at extremely low concentrations in waste water treatment plants (WWTP) effluents might be accomplished at much lower catalyst (TiO(2)) concentrations. One of the main drawbacks of reducing catalyst loading below the optimum is the loss of useful photons which instead are transmitted through the TiO(2) suspension without being absorbed by the catalyst. Accordingly, in this work, laboratory and solar pilot-scale experiments were performed with real WWTP effluents to evaluate the kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of 52 emerging contaminants under realistic (ppb) concentrations. The analysis of the samples was accomplished by solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In view of the results, low concentrations of TiO(2) of the order of tens of milligrams per liter were found to be insufficient for the degradation of the ECs in photoreactors with a short light-path length (29 cm). However, it was established that solar reactors of diameters of several hundreds of millimetres could be used for the efficient removal of ECs from WWTP effluents. The results presented show a general methodology for selecting the most efficient reactor diameter on the basis of the desired catalyst concentration.

Gene-class analysis of expression patterns induced by psychoactive pharmaceutical exposure in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) indicates induction of neuronal systems

Psychoactive pharmaceuticals are among the most frequently prescribed drugs, contributing to persistent measurable concentrations in aquatic systems. Typically, it is assumed that such contaminants have no human health implications because they exist in extremely low concentrations. We exposed juvenile fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to three pharmaceuticals, fluoxetine, venlafaxine and carbamazepine, individually and in a mixture, and measured their effect on the induction of gene expression in fish brains using microarray analysis. Gene expression changes were accompanied by behavioral changes and validated by qPCR analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was used to perform gene-class analysis of gene expression, testing for enrichment of gene sets known to be involved in human neuronal development, regulation and growth. We found significant enrichment of gene sets for each of the treatments, with the largest induction of expression by the mixture treatment. These results suggest that the psychoactive pharmaceuticals are able to alter expression of fish genes associated with development, regulation and differentiation of synapses, neurons and neurotransmitters. The results provide a new perspective for the consideration of potential consequence for human health due to environmental exposure to unmetabolized psychoactive pharmaceuticals.

Modelling the photochemical fate of ibuprofen in surface waters

We show that the main photochemical processes involved in the phototransformation of anionic ibuprofen (IBP) in surface waters are the reaction with (•)OH, the direct photolysis and possibly the reaction with the triplet states of chromophoric dissolved organic matter ((3)CDOM). These conclusions were derived by use of a model of surface water photochemistry, which adopted measured parameters of photochemical reactivity as input data. The relevant parameters are the polychromatic UVB photolysis quantum yield (Φ(IBP) = 0.33 ± 0.05, μ±σ), the reaction rate constant with (•)OH (k(IBP,•OH)=(1.0 ± 0.3)⋅10(10) M(-1) s(-1)), the (1)O(2) rate constant (k(IBP,)( ¹O₂)= (6.0 ± 0.6)⋅10(4) M(-1) s(-1)), while the reaction with CO(3)(-•) can be neglected. We adopted anthraquinone-2-sulphonate (AQ2S) and riboflavin (Ri) as CDOM proxies and the reaction rate constants with the respective triplet states were k(IBP,3AQ2S)=(9.7 ± 0.2)⋅10(9) M(-1) s(-1) and k(IBP,3Ri) = 4.5⋅10(7) M(-1) s(-1). The reaction with (3)CDOM can be an important IBP sink if its rate constant is comparable to that of (3)AQ2S, while it is unimportant if the rate constant is similar to the (3)Ri* one. The photochemical pathways mainly lead to the transformation (oxidation and/or shortening) of the propanoic lateral chain of IBP, which appears to be significantly more reactive than the isobutyl one. Interestingly, none of the detected intermediates was produced by substitution on the aromatic ring.

Temporal variation of pharmaceuticals in an urban and agriculturally influenced stream

Pharmaceuticals have become ubiquitous in the aquatic environment. Previous studies consistently demonstrate the prevalence of pharmaceuticals in freshwater but we do not yet know how concentrations vary over time within a given system. Two sites in central Indiana with varying land use in the surrounding watershed (suburban and agricultural) were sampled monthly for pharmaceutical concentrations and stream physiochemical parameters. Sediment samples were also collected at each sampling event for measurement of δ(15)N natural abundance and sediment organic content. Across sites and sampling events, twelve pharmaceuticals were detected including acetaminophen, caffeine, carbamazepine, cotinine, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, triclosan, and trimethoprim. Sulfathiazole, lincomycin, and tylosin were not detected at either site at any time. The agriculturally-influenced site had comparable pharmaceutical concentrations to the urban-influenced site. In general, pharmaceutical concentrations increased during winter at both sites and decreased during spring and summer. Multiple regression analyses indicated that water column dissolved oxygen, the number of days since precipitation, and solar radiation influenced total pharmaceutical concentration in the urban-influenced site; whereas pH, chlorophyll a concentration, and total amount of rainfall in the previous 10 days influenced total pharmaceutical concentrations in the agriculturally-influenced site. Pharmaceutical concentrations were not correlated with sediment δ(15)N across or within sites. However, sediment in the urban-influenced site had higher mean δ(15)N signatures relative to sediment in the agriculturally-influenced site. These data indicate pharmaceuticals are persistent in aquatic ecosystems influenced by both agricultural and suburban activity. Pharmaceuticals are designed to have a physiological effect; therefore, it is likely that they may also influence aquatic organisms, potentially threatening freshwater ecosystem health.

Occurrence, temporal evolution and risk assessment of pharmaceutically active compounds in Doñana Park (Spain)

Doñana National Park (Southern Spain) is one of the most emblematic protected areas in Europe and is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. A 1-year monitoring study was carried out to investigate the presence of 16 pharmaceutical compounds belonging to seven therapeutic groups in wastewater discharges, rivers and streams affecting Doñana Park. Fourteen pharmaceuticals were detected in effluent wastewater at concentration levels up to 26.8 μg L(-1) and thirteen were detected in surface water at concentration levels up to 4.55 μg L(-1). Ibuprofen was the compound at the highest concentration levels. An increase of the concentration levels in surface water was observed in summer months due to the reduction of the flow rates of the rivers. Nevertheless, risk quotient values estimated in surface water were lower than one so no toxicological effect is suspected to occur. The highest average risk quotients were obtained for ibuprofen (risk quotient 0.67±0.28), gemfibrozil (risk quotient 0.52±0.33), propranolol (0.13±0.06) and naproxen (0.10±0.09). Nevertheless, in summer months, risk quotient values up to 9.3 and 10.7 were estimated for the estrogenic compounds 17α-ethinylestradiol and 17β-estradiol.