Evaluation in surface waters of priority substances, other target compounds and emerging compounds

The study aims to raise knowledge of chemical contaminants in surface waters, including:

• Assessment of priority substances, monitoring list and specific pollutants using instantaneous water sampling;
• Quantitative assessment of priority substances in biota;
• Qualitative screening of target compounds and emerging compounds, such as pesticides and pharmaceutical substances in surface waters, using passive samplers.

The instantaneous samples presented, in most situations, values below the quantification limits of the methods. However, priority substances, specific pollutants and substances on the surveillance list have been quantified and some priority substances in biota (fish and mussels) have been detected. Target compounds and emerging compounds were detected, namely several agricultural and non-agricultural pesticides and pharmacological drugs for human and livestock use.

Passive sampling is a methodology that allows unambiguous research and identification of a wide range of contaminants when associated with uptadeted analytical methods. Passive sampling thus reveals to be an important complementary methodology to improve the knowledge on the presence of contaminants (through the screening of the organic substances present), allowing to rationalize the definition of future monitoring programs.

Study co-financied by EU - POSEUR