Spatial distribution of illicit drugs in surface waters of the natural park of Pego-Oliva Marsh (Valencia, Spain)

12 páginas, 4 figuras, 4 tablas.

Background, aim and scope. The Pego-Oliva Marsh is the second most important wetland in the Valencian Community (Spain). It is included in the RAMSAR agreement and represents one key point for migratory birds. Emerging contaminants from the human pressure, such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and personal care product, are not included in the list of priority contaminants of the Water Framework Directive yet, and are neither monitored nor controlled. However, pollution of emerging contaminants can threaten the environment and even human health. In order to understand the status of the emerging contamination and recommend future rationalization of countermeasures, the occurrence of illicit drugs was investigated. Material and methods. Samples were collected at 23 sites from the main irrigation channels and the marsh. Illicit drugs were extracted using solid phase extraction and determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The method detection limits ranged from 0.01 to 1.54 ng l(-1) and the recoveries from 57% to 120%. Results and discussion. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, morphine, benzoylecgonine, cocaine, methadone, 6-acetylmorphine and nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol were detected. The mean concentrations were 0.62, 21.33, 1.30, 1.92, 2.25, 0.32, 0.04 and 0.07 ng l(-1), respectively. The highest concentrations were in the north of Pego-Oliva Marsh. Conclusions. The pollution status by illicit drugs of the Pego-Oliva Marsh has been established. However, contamination levels in all the area of the natural park were low compared with those reported in other superficial waters.

This work has been supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the project Consolider-Ingenio 2010 CSD2009-00065 as well as by this Ministry and the European Regional Development Funds (projects CTQ2010-16448 and CGL2008-01693/BTE). Pablo Vázquez-Roig is holder of FPI grant from the Ministry of Science and Innovation (Spain). Dr. Vicente Urios, director of the natural park, is also acknowledged for the help and facilities to obtain the samples.

Peer reviewed