A study conducted by researchers from the National University of Litoral (UNL) and CONICET detected the presence of emerging contaminants in the Salado River and effluents from different areas of the province of Santa Fe. The survey identified residues of antibiotics, pesticides, and antiparasitics in concerning concentrations, raising alarms about their environmental and public health impact.
The analysis, carried out by the Analytical Development and Chemometrics Laboratory of the Faculty of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences of UNL, examined 23 chemical substances in water samples. Among the detected compounds are ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin, used as antibiotics, the insecticide chlorpyrifos-methyl, and the anxiolytic diazepam. Additionally, high levels of the antiparasitic levamisole and other compounds such as albendazole and thiamethoxam were found in the analyzed effluents.
The highest concentrations of these emerging contaminants in the Salado River were recorded in areas near urban centers and agricultural activities, suggesting a human and productive origin. The ecological impact of these substances is significant: ciprofloxacin severely affects aquatic microorganisms such as bacteria and algae, while diazepam and chlorpyrifos-methyl pose a high risk to crustaceans and fish. Researchers do not rule out that the presence of these compounds may be related to episodes of fish mortality in the river.
From a public health perspective, the study highlights that infants are the most vulnerable group to the exposure to these contaminants. The estimated daily intake of these substances is higher in young children than in adults, raising questions about possible long-term effects on child development and the onset of diseases.
Experts warn about the need to strengthen monitoring and regulation programs for emerging contaminants in the region. While specific regulations exist in Europe for their control, Argentina still lacks clear regulations in this regard. “It is essential to continue these investigations and create pollution maps to design effective mitigation strategies,” emphasized Carla Teglia, the study’s lead researcher.
Emerging Contaminants: What can ciprofloxacin cause in the environment?
Ciprofloxacin can contaminate water, soil, and air, and have toxic effects on the environment.
Effects on the environment
- It can affect the growth of microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, and cyanobacteria.
- It can reduce populations of these microorganisms, which can affect the ecosystem balance.
- It can contaminate groundwater if found in irrigation waters.
- It can negatively affect organisms living in water or soil.
Wastewater Pollution
- Ciprofloxacin is one of the most commonly found emerging contaminants in wastewater.
Implications
- It is important to understand the environmental fate of this compound.
The presence of antibiotics in the environment is a concern, as their presence in environmental matrices such as water or soil could negatively affect the organisms inhabiting them.
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