Emerging Compounds in the Monjolinho river: Occurrence, spatial-temporal distribution and evaluation of removal efficiency by the Sewage Treatment Plant of São Carlos

Abstract

Different chemicals such as drugs for human and veterinary use, hormones and personal care products have been classified as emerging contaminants, and some present action as endocrine disruptors. Studies indicate that the Monjolinho river has hormones in their waters and that they could cause adverse effects to aquatic biota. Since they have the same source, other emerging contaminants may be present in this water body. The newly established sewage treatment plant (STP) of São Carlos consists of a potential source of contaminants to the Monjolinho river. However, the knowledge about the removal efficiency by this WWTP is unknown. Thus, this project aims to determine the occurrence and spatial-temporal distribution of emerging contaminants in water and sediments of the Monjolinho river, and assess the removal efficiency by STP of São Carlos and its contribution to the intake of these contaminants to the water body studied. Among the compounds to be studied are aspirin, caffeine, carbamazepine, diclofenac, estrone, 17 ²-estradiol, 17Q-ethinyl estradiol, ibuprofen, naproxen, propranolol and triclosan. For this study, will be made bi-monthly sampling of water and sediment sampling at five sites along the Monjolinho river. Effluent samples will be also collected at the inlet and outlet of the STP. For the extraction of analytes in water and wastewater will be employed techniques of solid phase extraction (SPE). For sediments, extraction will be carried out in an ultrasonic bath, followed by SPE according to the same method used for water. The analytical determinations will be performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). These results will allow to understand the dynamics of emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment, contributing to the composition of a database that can support future public policy related to the presence of emerging pollutants in the environment, since they are not included in the list of parameters legally regulated of effluent emissions standards or quality of water supply.