Qualitative analysis of the presence of emerging contaminants in water supplies for human use: a case study of the Guilherme de Azevedo reservoir in Caruaru (PE, Brazil)

Abstract

Interest in studies related to emerging contaminants has increased among the scientific community. Although this area has only recently begun to be investigated, a number of important reports have been published, in which these substances have been shown to cause significant abnormalities in the endocrine system of animals, thereby directly affecting the environment and natural cycles. These emerging contaminants are generally pharmaceutical products that are used for personal hygiene, natural hormones, illicit drugs, industrial by-products and indicators of anthropogenic activity. The methodology adopted involved filtering samples with glass fibre and cellulose acetate membrane filters, extraction and concentration using the solid phase extraction (SPE) method, and analysis using potentiometric detectors incorporated in a continuous flow system. The identification of these contaminants in water supplies for human use is essential, although it is only the first and primordial phase in the development of future studies to discuss removal options.