Monitoring of pharmaceuticals in aquatic biota (Procambarus clarkii) of the Doñana National Park (Spain)

A clear ecotoxicological risk to the Doñana National Park ecosystem was demonstrated by the presence of ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, following punctual and massive human activity within the park. The study, conducted between 2011 and 2016, analyzed 23 pharmaceuticals from eight therapeutic families in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and water samples across six sampling points to assess pollution sources. Using enzymatic-microwave assisted extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, researchers detected ciprofloxacin, ibuprofen, salicylic acid, flumequine, and carbamazepine at various sites. Flumequine and carbamazepine were found in crayfish specimens at concentrations of 30 ng g−1 and 14 ng g−1, respectively, suggesting persistent discharge sources. The primary source of pharmaceuticals was identified as livestock farming activities, with minimal influence from surrounding urban wastewaters.

Kazakova, J., Villar-Navarro, M., Ramos-Payán, M., Aranda-Merino, N., Román-Hidalgo, C., Bello-López, M. Á., & Fernández-Torres, R. (2021). Monitoring of pharmaceuticals in aquatic biota (Procambarus clarkii) of the Doñana National Park (Spain). Journal of Environmental Management, 297, 113314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113314