Inputs of Pharmaceuticals and Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in the Llobregat River Basin

Abstract

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) including natural and synthetic hormones and alkylphenolic compounds are two classes of organic contaminants found to be ubiquitous in the Llobregat river basin. This chapter summarizes the findings of several extensive monitoring studies conducted in order to evaluate the main sources and identify compounds present in the river water and sediment. WWTP outlets are identified as major contributors of these substances and although the load of pharmaceuticals and EDCs in WWTP outlets are considerably reduced after the treatment, still considerable concentrations are found in receiving river water. However, direct ecotoxicological effects are very difficult to estimate due to the great number and variety of factors, such as is the presence of other organic and inorganic contaminants and impact of other environmental stressors. However, two studies unequivocally confirmed that EDCs present in the Llobregat river have negative effect on the reproductive physiology of endogenous fish feral carp (Cyprinus carpio).