Exploring the correlations between epi indicators of COVID-19 and the concentration of pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater treatment plants in Northern Portugal

• DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2023.100315
• Publication Date: 2023-05-11T02:43:07Z
• Authors: Ana R. Silva; Daniela P. Mesquita; M. Salomé Duarte; Ana R. Lado Ribeiro; M.Fernando R. Per...; M. Madalena Alves; Sílvia Monteiro; Ricardo Santos; Mónica V. Cunha; Sandra Jorge; Joana Vieira; João Vilaça; Luísa C. Lopes; Marta Carvalho; Carlos Brito; António Martins; Luciana Pereira
• Keywords: Freshwater ecosystem

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus led to changes in lifestyle and human behaviour, which resulted different consumption patterns of some classes pharmaceuticals including curative, symptom-relieving, psychotropic drugs. trends these compounds are related their concentrations wastewater systems, since incompletely metabolised drugs (or metabolites back transformed into parental form) may be detected quantified analytical methods. Pharmaceuticals highly recalcitrant conventional activated sludge processes implemented treatment plants (WWTP) ineffective at degrading substances. As a results, end up waterways or accumulate sludge, being serious concern given potential effects on ecosystems public health. Therefore, it is crucial evaluate presence water assist search for more effective processes. In this work, eight from five therapeutic were analysed samples collected two WWTP located Northern Portugal, during third epidemic wave Portugal. demonstrated similar pattern with respect concentration levels that period. However, loads reaching each dissimilar when normalising inlet flow rate. Acetaminophen (ACET) was compound highest aqueous both (98. 516 μg L − 1 WWTP2 123. 506 1in WWTP1), indicating drug extensively used without need prescription, known general knowledge as an antipyretic analgesic agent treat pain fever. determined below 1.65 µg g WWTP, value found azithromycin (AZT). This result justified physico-chemical characteristics favour its adsorption surface through ionic interactions. It not possible establish clear relationship between incidence cases sewer catchment same looking data obtained, high January 2021 line but prediction load viral unfeasible.