Bridging levels of pharmaceuticals in river water with biological community structure in the llobregat river basin (northeast spain)

• DOI: 10.1897/08-486.1
• Publication Date: 2009-03-06T00:27:29Z
• Authors: Isabel Muñoz; Julio C. López-Doval; Marta Ricart; Marta Villagrasa; Rikke Brix; Anita Geiszinger; Antoni Ginebreda; Helena Guasch; M. José López de ...; Anna M. Romaní; Sergi Sabater; Damià Barceló
• Keywords: Diatoms; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Rivers; Spain; 13. Climate action; 0211 other engineering and technologies; Animals; 02 engineering and technology; Invertebrates; Water Pollutants, Chemical; 6. Clean water

Abstract A wide range of human pharmaceuticals are present at low concentrations in freshwater systems, particularly sections polluted river. These compounds show high biological activity, often associated with a stability. characteristics imply potential impact these substances on aquatic biota even when environmental concentrations. Low flow conditions Mediterranean rivers, most which through densely populated areas and subjected to intensive water use, increase the risk emergent compounds. Here, we studied whether river affect local benthic community structure (diatoms invertebrates). For this purpose, analyzed occurrence along Llobregat River examined invertebrates) system. Some pharmaceutical products registered greater than those cited literature. Multivariate analyses revealed causal association between some anti-inflammatories β-blockers abundance biomass several invertebrates (Chironomus spp. Tubifex tubifex). Further interpretation terms cause-and-effect relationships is discussed; however, it must be always taken caution because other pollutants also may have significant contributions. Combined further experiments laboratory, our approach could desirable way proceed future management decisions.