Occurrence, distribution, and seasonal variation of estrogenic compounds and antibiotic residues in Jiulongjiang River, South China

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Estrogenic compounds and antibiotic residues in environment are receiving significant attention because of their potential adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. The objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence and seasonal variability of eight kinds of estrogenic compounds and 14 antibiotics. The study developed an occurrence database of the estrogenic compounds and antibiotics in spatial and temporal scale in Jiulongjiang River, South China, to provide useful information for environmental management of this region. METHODS: Eight estrogenic compounds and 14 antibiotic compounds were detected in Jiulongjiang River from 19 sampling sites during high-flow and low-flow season in surface water. The samples were preconcentrated by solid-phase extraction for analysis. Eight estrogenic compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Agilent 7890A-5975C), and antibiotics were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) system (ABI 3200 Q TRAP). RESULTS: All target compounds could be detected, except 17α-ethynylestradiol, sulfamerazine, and ofloxacin. The median concentrations for seven estrogenic compounds ranged from 6.00 to 610.72 ng/L, with the detection frequency range of 16.00–100%. However, the detection frequencies of 13 antibiotics detected varied from 50% to 100%, with the median concentrations ranged from 0.89 to 117.97 ng/L. Seasonal variations were obvious for most estrogenic compounds in Jiulongjiang River, except for octylphenol and estriol. There were significant (P < 0.001) differences for three tetracyclines, sulfadiazine, and sulfamethoxazole between in low-flow season and in high-flow season. Besides, spatially considerable variations in the concentrations were observed for antibiotics, nonylphenol, octylphenol, and bisphenol A. CONCLUSION: The Jiulongjiang River water was more seriously contaminated by diethylstilbestrol, estrone, sulfamethazine, and tetracyclines. Higher overall concentration levels of estrogenic compounds and antibiotics were detected in low-flow water than those in high-flow water. The pollution of estrogenic compounds and antibiotics in Jiulongjiang River mainly came from municipal sewage and livestock breeding activities.