Occurrence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Pharmaceutical Products in Surface Freshwaters From Campinas Region (SP, Brazil)

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the occurrence of some emerging organic compounds in surface freshwater samples collected in the Metropolitan Region of Campinas. Ten substances classified as endocrine disrupting chemicals as well as five pharmaceutical drugs were investigated in samples from six individual sampling points in the Atibaia River basin. Samples were submitted to solid phase extraction and the extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Exogenous organic compounds were detected in 83% of the samples. More than one compound, amongst the fifteen, was determined in 66% of the samples. 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethynylestradiol, paracetamol (acetaminophen), acetylsalicylic acid, di-n-butyl phthalate, bisphenol A, and caffeine were detected at least once. Higher levels of 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethynylestradiol, bisphenol A, and caffeine were detected in the sampling point located downstream of the city of Campinas, evidencing the contamination in this water body. Finally, it was noticed that during the low precipitation period the concentration of the majority of analyzed compounds increases.