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Assessment of organic and heavy metal contaminants as a function of urban development near rivers of Puerto Rico (1143.9)
Author(s) -
Ortiz Ana,
Piñero Luis,
Rivera Nilsa,
Sosa Maria
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.1143.9
Subject(s) - contamination , environmental science , environmental chemistry , urbanization , phthalate , cadmium , atomic absorption spectroscopy , surface runoff , environmental protection , environmental engineering , chemistry , ecology , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , biology
Anthropogenic activities, such as urbanization, manufacture, agriculture and transportation, often lead to contamination of water resources through runoff from sewer systems or illegal dumping. We wish to determine if urbanization near rivers in Puerto Rico results in increased levels of organic and metal contaminants of anthropogenic origin, to then test how these may affect behavior and nervous system function of river fauna. Water samples from two urban rivers with differing hydrological flow characteristics, Rio Piedras and La Plata, and a control non‐urban river, Rio Mameyes, were analyzed with Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. A wide range screening of organic compounds (OC) identified 35 contaminants in the urban rivers, including esters, phthalates, pharmaceuticals and ingredients in personal care products. Dibutyl phthalate, commonly used in plastics and cosmetics, was found in La Plata at a concentration five times higher than the limit allowed by the EPA for drinking water. Copper, chromium and cadmium in the urban rivers are within EPA standards, although copper in the Río Piedras increased consistently from its origin to its lower reach, while remaining constant throughout the length of La Plata. Further experiments to measure other heavy metals and OCs from pharmaceuticals and personal care products are being conducted. Grant Funding Source : Supported by: NSF HRD‐1137725; NIH NIGMS R25GM061838; NIH NIGMS 5SC3GM084763