Spatial occurrence and variation of the active pharmaceutical compounds in rivers and groundwater systems in Arusha City, Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated the occurrence of 11 pharmaceutical compounds in the rivers and groundwater systems of Arusha City, Tanzania. Each suspected individual residue of active pharmaceutical compounds in water matrices, was pre-concentrated using solid-phase extraction techniques and, then quantified using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). The concentrations varied across the assessed rivers and groundwater systems. High concentrations of caffeine 520 ng/L were detected in the station downwards of a wastewater stabilization pond, discharging its partially treated effluent into the river, followed by stations whose rivers flowed through informal areas. Sampled points' located near the river's water sources reported fewer compounds with values below the detection limit, such as amoxicillin, paracetamols, and doxycycline. Except for sulfamethoxazole (94 ng/L) in the borehole, most of the concentrations detected in rivers were ten times higher than in boreholes. In addition, in boreholes, more compounds were identified in the monitoring than in the domestic ones, and concentration varied with depth of deep boreholes (25 m) were less abundant than shallow wells of less than 10 m. In conclusion, pharmaceutical compounds were frequently detected in both rivers and groundwater systems within Arusha City suggesting the need for understanding of their fates and associated risks.