Ubiquity of Endocrine Disruptors Nonylphenol and Its Mono‐ and Di‐Ethoxylates in Freshwater, Sediments, and Biosolids Associated with High and Low Density Populations of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

In Latin America, use of alkylphenol ethoxylates is unrestricted and widespread. However, their environmental incidence is still little studied. In order to investigate the occurrence, distribution and main sources of the endocrine disruptors nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol mono‐ and di‐ethoxylate (NP1EO, NP2EO), we analyzed water and sediments from thirteen sites in high and low population densities regions of Argentina. Also ten biosolid samples from a municipal sewage treatment plant were analyzed. Ranges for NP were 21–6359 µg kg−1 in sediments, 0.1–6.2 µg L−1 in water and 64–112 mg kg−1 in sludge; for NP1EO were 7–3357 µg kg−1 in sediments, 0.1–9.2 µg L−1 in water and 8–140 mg kg−1 in sludge and for NP2EO were 1–437 µg kg−1 in sediments, 0.1–5.2 µg L−1 in water and 2–23 mg kg−1 in sludge. The highest levels were associated with proximity to industry and sewage effluents discharge. In biosolids we found predominantly NP, followed by NP1EO and NP2EO, consistently with the metabolic potential of engineered systems. Our findings are in agreement with historical reports for Europe and North America, indicating an important incidence of the xenoestrogens also in this important geographical region. Contrasted to guide values, they show a potential threat to the water and terrestrial environments.