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Beltrán de Heredia I, González-Gaya B, Zuloaga O, Garrido I, Acosta T, Etxebarria N, Ruiz-Romera E. Occurrence of emerging contaminants in three river basins impacted by wastewater treatment plant effluents: Spatio-seasonal patterns and environmental risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174062. [PMID: 38917906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The concern on the fate and distribution of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) is a burning topic due to their widespread occurrence and potential harmful effects. Particularly, antibiotics have received great attention due to their implications in antimicrobial resistance occurrence. The impact of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is remarkable, being one of the main pathways for the introduction of CECs into aquatic systems. The combination of novel analytical methodologies and risk assessment strategies is a promising tool to find out environmentally relevant compounds posing major concerns in freshwater ecosystems impacted by those wastewater effluents. Within this context, a multi-target approach was applied in three Spanish river basins affected by different WWTP treated effluents for spatio-temporal monitoring of their chemical status. Solid phase extraction followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography were used for the quantification of a large panel of compounds (n = 270), including pharmaceuticals and other consumer products, pesticides and industrial chemicals. To this end, water samples were collected in four sampling campaigns at three locations in each basin: (i) upstream from the WWTPs; (ii) WWTP effluent discharge points (effluent outfall); and (iii) downstream from the WWTPs (500 m downriver from the effluent outfall). Likewise, 24-h composite effluent samples from each of the WWTPs were provided in all sampling periods. First the occurrence and distribution of these compounds were assessed. Diverse seasonal trends were observed depending on the group of emerging compounds, though COVID-19 outbreak affected variations of certain pharmaceuticals. Detection frequencies and concentrations in effluents generally exceeded those in river samples and concentrations measured upstream WWTPs were generally low or non-quantifiable. Finally, risks associated with maximum contamination levels were evaluated using two different approaches to account for antibiotic resistance selection as well. From all studied compounds, 89 evidenced environmental risk on at least one occasion in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Beltrán de Heredia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Belén González-Gaya
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua 47, 48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Olatz Zuloaga
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua 47, 48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Itziar Garrido
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Teresa Acosta
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Nestor Etxebarria
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua 47, 48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Estilita Ruiz-Romera
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
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2
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Burke S. Hypoxia, NSAIDs, and autism: A biocultural analysis of stressors in gametogenesis. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24042. [PMID: 38282542 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cultural and generational trends have increasingly favored "anti-inflammatory" action, innovating a new class of analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the 20th century. The modern human body has been molded over evolutionary time and while acknowledging inflammation can be pathologically entwined, it also serves an important role in healthy folliculogenesis and ovulation, shaping cues that drive needed vascular change. This review argues that because of anti-inflammatory action, the cultural invention of NSAIDs represents a particular stressor on female reproductive-age bodies, interacting with natural, underlying variation and placing limits on healthy growth and development in the follicles, creating potential autism risk through hypoxia and mutagenic or epigenetic effects. Since testes are analogs to ovaries, the biological grounding extends naturally to spermatogenesis. This review suggests the introduction of over-the-counter NSAIDs in the 1980s failed to recognize the unique functioning of reproductive-age bodies, challenging the cyclical inflammation needed for healthy gamete development. NSAIDs are framed as one (notable) stressor in an anti-inflammatory era focused on taming the risks of inflammation in modern human life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacie Burke
- Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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3
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Carmo dos Santos M, Cerqueira Silva AC, dos Reis Teixeira C, Pinheiro Macedo Prazeres F, Fernandes dos Santos R, de Araújo Rolo C, de Souza Santos E, Santos da Fonseca M, Oliveira Valente C, Saraiva Hodel KV, Moraes dos Santos Fonseca L, Sampaio Dotto Fiuza B, de Freitas Bueno R, Bittencourt de Andrade J, Aparecida Souza Machado B. Wastewater surveillance for viral pathogens: A tool for public health. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33873. [PMID: 39071684 PMCID: PMC11279281 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
A focus on water quality has intensified globally, considering its critical role in sustaining life and ecosystems. Wastewater, reflecting societal development, profoundly impacts public health. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a surveillance tool for detecting outbreaks early, monitoring infectious disease trends, and providing real-time insights, particularly in vulnerable communities. WBE aids in tracking pathogens, including viruses, in sewage, offering a comprehensive understanding of community health and lifestyle habits. With the rise in global COVID-19 cases, WBE has gained prominence, aiding in monitoring SARS-CoV-2 levels worldwide. Despite advancements in water treatment, poorly treated wastewater discharge remains a threat, amplifying the spread of water-, sanitation-, and hygiene (WaSH)-related diseases. WBE, serving as complementary surveillance, is pivotal for monitoring community-level viral infections. However, there is untapped potential for WBE to expand its role in public health surveillance. This review emphasizes the importance of WBE in understanding the link between viral surveillance in wastewater and public health, highlighting the need for its further integration into public health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Carmo dos Santos
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Cerqueira Silva
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Carine dos Reis Teixeira
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Filipe Pinheiro Macedo Prazeres
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rosângela Fernandes dos Santos
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Carolina de Araújo Rolo
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle de Souza Santos
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Maísa Santos da Fonseca
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Camila Oliveira Valente
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Katharine Valéria Saraiva Hodel
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Larissa Moraes dos Santos Fonseca
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Bianca Sampaio Dotto Fiuza
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno
- Federal University of ABC. Center of Engineering, Modelling and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Santo Andre, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jailson Bittencourt de Andrade
- University Center SENAI CIMATEC, SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente – CIEnAm, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, 40170-115, Brazil
| | - Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
- University Center SENAI CIMATEC, SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
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Ceolotto N, Jagadeesan K, Xu L, Standerwick R, Robertson M, Barden R, Barnett J, Kasprzyk-Hordern B. Assessment of restriction measures implemented during COVID pandemics on community lifestyle choices via wastewater-based epidemiology. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134264. [PMID: 38640675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected lifestyle habits, and the mental health and wellbeing of people around the world. In this manuscript, two towns (Paulton and Radstock) and two cities (Bath and Bristol) in Southwest England (> 1 million people) were monitored for two years using Wastewater-Based Epidemiology to assess impacts of COVID (including management measures such as lockdowns and movement restrictions) on community lifestyle choices: illicit drugs, legal stimulants, abused pharmaceuticals and pain pharma usage. Results were triangulated with key dates captured during the pandemic (national lockdowns, restrictions and social distancing measures, etc.). This highlighted a reduction in cocaine intake (as benzoylecgonine) (community average: -36 %) during the first lockdown and an increase in illicit drugs usage after the 3rd national lockdown (community averages for amphetamine: +8 %, cocaine/benzoylecgonine: +39 %, ketamine:+70 %) when restrictions were removed, and social interaction and recreational activities increased. There was a reduction in the intake of caffeine (as 1,7-dimethylxanthine) (community average:-39 %) after 3rd national lockdown coinciding with pubs reopening while nicotine intake (via cotinine) remained stable indicating lack of impact of COVID on smoking habits. Pain pharma often used in pain management resulting from injuries linked with sport activities (naproxen and diclofenac) showed decrease in usage due to lockdown restrictions in physical exercise and access to gyms/sport facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ceolotto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Institute for Sustainability, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | - Like Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Richard Standerwick
- Wessex Water, Bath BA2 7WW, UK; Environment Agency, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Julie Barnett
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Institute for Sustainability, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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5
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Ceolotto N, Jagadeesan K, Xu L, Standerwick R, Robertson M, Barden R, Barnett J, Kasprzyk-Hordern B. Understanding treatment of pain during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a two-year intercity longitudinal study using wastewater-based epidemiology. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134121. [PMID: 38636235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a significant impact on the society, economy, and health of people around the world with consequences that need to be better understood for future pandemic preparedness. This manuscript provides insights into the usage of pharmaceuticals for pain treatment management throughout SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Four towns and cities with a total population of > 1 million people covering an area of 2000 km2 in South West England were monitored for twenty-four months. Results showed different patterns in pain pharma usage, with small towns having higher population normalised daily loads (PNDLs) than big cities for majority of pain killers studied. This is likely due to demographics of these cities with smaller cities having older population. Per capita consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increased compared to pre-pandemic usage in line with SARS-CoV-2 infections (ibuprofen and acetaminophen), while body pain drugs (diclofenac and naproxen) decreased in line with restrictions and closure of sports facilities. Changes in population normalised daily intake (PNDI) of pain killers were particularly apparent during the 1st and 3rd national lockdown. Comparison of PNDIs with prescriptions highlighted differences related to medication availability (OTC drugs) and patients' nonadherence (prescribed drugs). In addition, several instances of direct disposal events across the catchments were observed which raises an issue of lack of pharma compliance and general understanding of potential environmental impacts from pharma usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ceolotto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Institute for Sustainability, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | - Like Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Richard Standerwick
- Wessex Water, Bath BA2 7WW, UK; Environment Agency, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Julie Barnett
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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6
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Akca AA, Couchman L, Frinculescu A, Johnston A. Analysis of drug-impregnated paper samples seized in English prisons between 2018 and 2020. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 357:111991. [PMID: 38513529 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the form of impregnated papers delivered to prisoners are of particular concern in prison settings, where they are commonly used by vaping. The purpose of this study was to create a qualitative method for identifying the various emerging NPS impregnated onto paper samples sent to prisoners. It helps to demonstrate that these findings can be used to predict drug prevalence and trends in prisons. Between 2018 and 2020, 1250 non-judicial paper samples seized from 12 English prisons were analysed to determine the NPSs being circulated. Approximately 1 cm2 paper were cut and added to 50 % (v/v) methanol in LCMS-grade water. Vortex-mixing was used to prepare extracts (30 min). Q-TOF LC/MS was used to screen the extracts. This study showed that synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) was the most common drug group detected in impregnated paper seizures in English prisons between 2018 and 2020, followed by cocaine, heroin type drugs (A) and amphetamine, ketamine type drugs (B). Male prisons had a higher prevalence of SCRAs, whereas female prisons had a higher prevalence of A drugs. Furthermore, lower security prisons were found to have a higher prevalence of B drugs, pregabalin, gabapentin type drugs (C), and abused and prescription drugs than higher security prisons which unveiled a higher prevalence of nicotine. The findings of this study have revealed new information about drug use in prisons. This study will also aid in the identification of drug smuggling routes into jails, keeping prison staff up to date with the trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asena Avci Akca
- Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkiye; Institute of Forensic Sciences, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkiye; Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Lewis Couchman
- Analytical Services International Ltd, St. George's University of London, London, UK; Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Anca Frinculescu
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; TICTAC Communications Ltd., St. George's University of London, London, UK.
| | - Atholl Johnston
- Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Analytical Services International Ltd, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
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7
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Ceolotto N, Dollamore P, Hold A, Balne B, Jagadeesan KK, Standerwick R, Robertson M, Barden R, Kasprzyk-Hordern B. A new Wastewater-Based Epidemiology workflow to estimate community wide non-communicable disease prevalence using pharmaceutical proxy data. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132645. [PMID: 37793253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript introduces a new wastewater-based epidemiology workflow for estimation of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevalence by using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) and pharmaceuticals/their metabolites as proxies for NCDs prevalence. 83 targets were selected (54 parent pharmaceuticals and 29 metabolites). Three critical aspects were tested: (i) Solid-Phase Extraction - Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Tandem Mass Spectrometry (SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS) method performance, (ii) biomarker stability under variable storage conditions (during sampling and long-term storage) and (iii) accounting for human metabolism in WBE back-calculations. High stability of most analytes was observed under tested storage conditions. A few exceptions include diazepam, dihydroketoprofen and 5-hydroxy-lansoprazole. Analyte recoveries varied between 75% and 125% for most analytes. MDLs ranged from 0.2 ng L-1 to 5.6 ng L-1, while MQLs from 0.2 ng L-1 to 16.8 ng L-1. The overall average method accuracy and precision were: 99.5% and 4.0% respectively. A fully validated method was tested using community wastewater in the Southwest of England to estimate pharmaceutical usage, test metabolism correction factors established and compare results with prescription data. The new WBE method for NCD approximation allowed for the estimation of the daily usage/intake of 69 NCD targets with a standardized approach and a consistent reporting format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ceolotto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Chemical Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Institute for Sustainability, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | - Angus Hold
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Bethany Balne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | - Richard Standerwick
- Wessex Water Service Ltd., Claverton Down, BA2 7WW, Bath, UK; Environment Agency, Bristol, UK
| | - Megan Robertson
- Wessex Water Service Ltd., Claverton Down, BA2 7WW, Bath, UK
| | - Ruth Barden
- Wessex Water Service Ltd., Claverton Down, BA2 7WW, Bath, UK
| | - Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Chemical Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Institute for Sustainability, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Water and Innovation Research Centre, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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8
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Zhao J, Lu J, Zhao H, Yan Y, Dong H. In five wastewater treatment plants in Xinjiang, China: Removal processes for illicit drugs, their occurrence in receiving river waters, and ecological risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139668. [PMID: 37517667 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Residues of illicit drugs are frequently detected in wastewater, but data on their removal efficiency by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the ecological risks to the aquatic environment are lacking in this study. The research evaluates the residues, mass load, drug removal efficiency, and risk assessment of illicit drugs in WWTPs and aquatic environments (lakes) in Xinjiang, China. Initially, the concentration (incidence) and mass load of 10 selected illicit drugs were analyzed through wastewater analysis. The detected substances included methamphetamine (METH), morphine (MOR), 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), methadone (MTD), cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BE), ketamine (KET), and codeine (COD), with concentrations ranging from 0.11 ± 0.01 ng/L (methadone) to 48.26 ± 25.05 ng/L (morphine). Notably, morphine (59.74 ± 5.82 g/day) and methamphetamine (41.81 ± 4.91 g/day) contributed significantly to the WWTPs. Next, the drug removal efficiency by different sewage treatment processes was ranked as follows: Anaerobic-Oxic (A/O) combined Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR) treatment process > Oxidation ditch treatment process > Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic (A2/O) treatment process > Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic combined Membrane Bio-Reactor treatment process. Finally, the research reviewed the concentration and toxicity assessments of these substances in the aquatic environment (lakes). The results indicated that Lake1 presented a medium risk level concerning the impact of illicit drugs on the aquatic environment, whereas the other lakes exhibited a low risk level. As a result, it is recommended to conduct long-term monitoring and source analysis of illicit drugs, specifically in Lake1, for further investigation. In conclusion, to enhance the understanding of the effects of illicit drugs on the environment, future research should expand the list of target analytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Jianjiang Lu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China.
| | - Haijun Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Yujun Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Hongyu Dong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
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9
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Wen J, Duan L, Wang B, Dong Q, Liu Y, Huang J, Yu G. Stability and WBE biomarkers possibility of 17 antiviral drugs in sewage and gravity sewers. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 238:120023. [PMID: 37150064 PMCID: PMC10149109 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a promising technique for monitoring the rapidly increasing use of antiviral drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to evaluate the in-sewer stability of antiviral drugs in order to determine appropriate biomarkers. This study developed an analytical method for quantification of 17 typical antiviral drugs, and investigated the stability of target compounds in sewer through 4 laboratory-scale gravity sewer reactors. Nine antiviral drugs (lamivudine, acyclovir, amantadine, favipiravir, nevirapine, oseltamivir, ganciclovir, emtricitabine and telbivudine) were observed to be stable and recommended as appropriate biomarkers for WBE. As for the other 8 unstable drugs (abacavir, arbidol, ribavirin, zidovudine, ritonavir, lopinavir, remdesivir and efavirenz), their attenuation was driven by adsorption, biodegradation and diffusion. Moreover, reaction kinetics revealed that the effects of sediments and biofilms were regarded to be independent in gravity sewers, and the rate constants of removal by biofilms was directly proportional to the ratio of surface area against wastewater volume. The study highlighted the potential importance of flow velocity for compound stability, since an increased flow velocity significantly accelerated the removal of unstable biomarkers. In addition, a framework for graded evaluation of biomarker stability was proposed to provide reference for researchers to select suitable WBE biomarkers. Compared with current classification method, this framework considered the influences of residence time and different removal mechanisms, which additionally screened four antiviral drugs as viable WBE biomarkers. This is the first study to report the stability of antiviral drugs in gravity sewers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory for Environmental Frontier Technologies, China
| | - Lei Duan
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory for Environmental Frontier Technologies, China
| | - Bin Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory for Environmental Frontier Technologies, China
| | - Qian Dong
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanchen Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory for Environmental Frontier Technologies, China
| | - Gang Yu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory for Environmental Frontier Technologies, China; Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, 519087, China.
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Varga L, Fenner K, Singer H, Honti M. From market to environment - consumption-normalised pharmaceutical emissions in the Rhine catchment. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 239:120017. [PMID: 37172372 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Direct and indirect threats by organic micropollutants can only be reliably assessed and prevented if the exposure to these chemicals is known, which in turn requires a confident estimate of their emitted amounts into the environment. APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) enter surface waters mostly through the sewer system and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, their effluent fluxes are highly variable and influenced by several different factors that challenge robust emission estimates. Here, we defined a dimensionless, theoretically consumption-independent 'escape factor' (kesc) for estimating the amount of APIs (expected to be) present in WWTP effluents. The factor is determined as the proportion of marketed and actually emitted amounts of APIs. A large collection of German and Swiss monitoring datasets were analyzed to calculate stochastic kesc values for 31 APIs, reflecting both the magnitude and uncertainty of consumption-normalised emissions. Escape factors provide an easy-to-use tool for the estimation of average API emissions and expected variability from numerous WWTPs given that consumption data are provided, thereby supporting simulation modeling of the fate of APIs in stream networks or exposure assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Varga
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest H-1111, Hungary.
| | - Kathrin Fenner
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland; Department of Chemistry, University of Zürich, Zürich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Singer
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Mark Honti
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network, ELKH-BME Water Research Group, Budapest H-1111, Hungary
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Ahmed F, Tscharke B, O'Brien JW, Hall WD, Cabot PJ, Sowa PM, Samanipour S, Thomas KV. National Wastewater Reconnaissance of Analgesic Consumption in Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1712-1720. [PMID: 36637365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) method is presented to estimate analgesic consumption and assess the burden of treated pain in Australian communities. Wastewater influent samples from 60 communities, representing ∼52% of Australia's population, were analyzed to quantify the concentration of analgesics used to treat pain and converted to estimates of the amount of drug consumed per day per 1000 inhabitants using pharmacokinetics and WBE data. Consumption was standardized to the defined daily dose per day per 1000 people. The population burden of pain treatment was classified as mild to moderate pain (for non-opioid analgesics) and strong to severe pain (for opioid analgesics). The mean per capita weighted total DDD of non-opioid analgesics was 0.029 DDD/day/person, and that of opioid-based analgesics was 0.037 DDD/day/person across Australia. A greater burden of pain (mild to moderate or strong to severe pain index) was observed at regional and remote sites. The correlation analysis of pain indices with different socioeconomic descriptors revealed that pain affects populations from high to low socioeconomic groups. Australians spent an estimated US $3.5 (AU $5) per day on analgesics. Our findings suggest that WBE could be an effective surveillance tool for estimating the consumption of analgesics at a population scale and assessing the total treated pain burden in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Ahmed
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland4102, Australia
| | - Benjamin Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland4102, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland4102, Australia
| | - Wayne D Hall
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland4102, Australia
- Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland4029, Australia
| | - Peter J Cabot
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland4102, Australia
| | - P Marcin Sowa
- Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland4067, Australia
| | - Saer Samanipour
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland4102, Australia
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam1090, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland4102, Australia
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