Pharmaceutical Contamination in the Po River Basin
Author Information
Author(s): Federico Ferrari, Agata Gallipoli, Matteo Balderacchi, Maria M. Ulaszewska, Ettore Capri, Marco Trevisan
Primary Institution: Istituto di Chimica Agraria ed Ambientale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Hypothesis
What is the level of pharmaceutical contamination and accumulation in surface waters and sediments along the Po River basin?
Conclusion
The study found low levels of pharmaceuticals in water and higher concentrations in sediments, indicating that while contamination exists, it does not pose a serious risk to human health.
Supporting Evidence
- Pharmaceuticals were found in water samples at concentrations ranging from 0.38 to 0.001 μg/L.
- Furosemide and paracetamol were detected at higher concentrations in water samples.
- Atenolol and metoprolol were not detected in water samples.
- In sediment samples, atenolol was found at a maximum concentration of 284 μg/kg.
- STPs were confirmed as point sources of contamination.
Takeaway
The Po River has some medicines in its water and mud, but not enough to hurt people.
Methodology
Water and sediment samples were collected from 54 points along the Po River and analyzed for 10 pharmaceuticals using solid phase extraction and HPLC-MS.
Limitations
The study was limited by the number of pharmaceuticals tested and the need for further comprehensive risk assessments.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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