The presence of pharmaceutical compounds in Surabaya rivers: potential sources and correlation with other water quality parameters

Abstract

Recently identified compounds and chemicals that are harmful to the environment and pose a major risk to human health, known as emerging pollutants (EPs), are receiving increasing attention today. The main basis for this study is the absence of studies that discuss the presence of anti-inflammatory and anti-pain medicines in river water in Surabaya. Based on the study results, it was found that the overall average paracetamol concentration was 333 μg/L in Mas River and 430 μg/L in Surabaya River. Meanwhile, the ibuprofen concentration was not detected at all sampling points. This can be caused by the levels of ibuprofen, which are very small or below the detection limit. River water quality standards are regulated in Appendix VI of Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 22 of 2021. On average, other water parameters that were also monitored, namely BOD, COD, nitrate, and phosphate, exceed the class II quality standards. Meanwhile, the pH and temperature parameters are within the class II quality standards range. Further research is needed to determine the presence of EPs in Surabaya rivers. This research can be a useful reference for further research.