See more from this Division: Joint Sessions
See more from this Session: Subsurface Fate and Transport of Agricultural Contaminants
Abstract:
Pharmaceutically active substances and metabolites are found at concentrations up to the microgram/L-level in groundwater samples from the Nuthegraben lowland area south of Berlin (Germany). Among the compounds detected in groundwater are clofibric acid (blood lipid regulator), diclofenac (anti-inflammatory), carbamazepine and primidone (both antiepileptic drugs). Pharmaceuticals are measured up to the mg/L range in surface and groundwater. However, concentrations detected in groundwater are generally much lower and there is significant variation in the distribution of pharmaceuticals in groundwater.
Groundwater and surface water was sampled for the main ions, for organic carbon and selected trace substances. Experiments in the laboratory were conducted using sediment material from the Berlin area to evaluate the transport and sorption behavior of selected drugs in the aquifer under conditions comparable to those in the Nuthegraben area. Results of the column experiments show that clofibric acid exhibits no degradation and almost no retardation (Rf = 1.1). Diclofenac shows quite high retardation at lower pH values indicating that most of diclofenac was sorbed in the unsaturated zone. Carbamazepine shows no degradation in the soil column experiments but significant retardation under the prevailing conditions. Based on carbamazepine and primidone concentrations we conclude that groundwater has been effected significantly by former land use practices whereas actual land use has only minor influence.
See more from this Division: Joint Sessions
See more from this Session: Subsurface Fate and Transport of Agricultural Contaminants