Fate of selected pesticides, estrogens, progestogens and volatile organic compounds during artificial aquifer recharge using surface waters

The artificial recharge of aquifers has become a valuable tool to increase water resources for drinking water production in many countries. In this work a total of 41 organic pollutants belonging to the classes of pesticides, estrogens, progestogens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been monitored in the water from two artificial recharge plants located in Sweden and Denmark. The results from two sampling campaigns performed in each plant indicate good chemical status of the source water, as the contaminants detected were present at very low levels, far from those established in the legislation as maximum admissible concentrations (when existing) and far from those considered as a risk. Thus, of the 17 pesticides investigated, BAM (2,6-dichlorobenzamide), desethylatrazine, simazine, atrazine, terbuthylazine, diuron, metolachlor, and diazinon were the only compounds detected, and total pesticides levels were below 25 ng L−1, respectively. Estrone-3-sulfate was the only estrogen detected, at concentrations lower than 0.5 ng L−1. Progestogens were not found in any sample. Detected VOCs (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and trichloroethylene) were below 0.04 μg L−1. The efficiency of elimination of these organic contaminants was poor as no significant decrease in their concentrations was observed through the recharge process.

This work has been supported by the Energy, Environmental and Sustainable Development Program (Project ARTDEMO EVK1-CT2002-00114) and by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the projects CEMAGUA (CGL2007-64551/HID) and SCARCE (Consolider-Ingenio 2010 CSD2009-00065). It reflects the author’s view. The EU is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained in it. Merck (Darmstadt, Germany) is acknowledged for the gift of LC columns and off-line SPE cartridges.

Peer reviewed