Pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in surface, drinking and swimming pool waters in the Province of Modena: preliminary investigation

Abstract

Introduction Pharmaceuticals and illicit drug residues are common contaminants of the aquatic environments and appear to be widespread, with consumers being the major source. Even if environmental levels are low, risks for human health cannot be excluded. Methods We present the results on the environmental levels of a group of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in surface waters, drinking and pool waters in the Province of Modena (Italy). We tested drugs of abuse (cocaine, opioids, amphetamines and cannabis derivatives), and/or their metabolites and 31 pharmaceuticals which have been previously found in significant concentrations in the environment in Italy. Surface waters of Panaro River were sampled upstream, before receiving the input of waters from the sewage treatment plant of Modena, and then downstream. Drinking waters were collected from three different points in water supplies in the Province and one swimming pool water sample was also investigated, because human release of body fluids may be relevant in swimming pool settings. Pharmaceuticals and illicit drug residues were measured by (HPLC–MS/MS), after solid phase extraction (SPE). Results Surface water from the Panaro River, before receiving wastewaters, shows the presence, at very low levels, of 9 out of 31 investigated pharmaceutical substances: cocaine and its metabolites were the most detected among illicit drugs. High levels of both pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs were observed in surface waters, immediately after receiving wastewaters from the sewage treatment plant. Pharmaceuticals were rarely detected in drinking water samples, while in swimming pool water the anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals ibuprofen and ketoprofen were observed. Illicit drugs were found at trace levels both in drinking and in swimming pool waters. Conclusions Future research is needed to characterize potential health risks from long-term, low-level exposure to these substances, particularly for sensitive subpopulations.