Organic micropollutants in coastal waters from NW Mediterranean Sea: Sources distribution and potential risk

This study provides a first estimation on the sources, distribution and risk of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in coastal waters from NW Mediterranean Sea. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorinated pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, phthalates and alkylphenols were analyzed by solid phase extraction and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (SPE–GC–EI-MS/MS). River waters and wastewater treatment plant effluents discharging to the sea were identified as the main sources of OMPs to coastal waters, with an estimated input amount of around of 25,800 g d− 1. The concentration of ΣOMPs in coastal areas ranged from 17.4 to 8442 ng L− 1, and was the highest in port waters, followed by coastal and river mouth seawaters. A summarized overview of the patterns and sources of OMP contamination on the investigated coastal sea waters of NW Mediterranean Sea, as well as of their geographical distribution was obtained by Principal Component Analysis of the complete data set after its adequate pretreatment. Alkylphenols, bisphenol A and phthalates were the main contributors to ΣOMPs and produced an estimated significant pollution risk for fish, algae and the sensitive mysid shrimp organisms in seawater samples. The combination of GC-MS/MS, chemometrics and risk analysis is proven to be useful for a better control and management of OMP discharges.

► Organic pollutants were detected in the NW Mediterranean coastal water and ports.
► WWTP effluents and rivers were the main pollution sources in coastal waters.
► A daily flux of 25.8 kg of pollutants to the sea was estimated.
► Pollution levels represent a risk to mysid shrimp, fish and algae, according to their risk quotient (RQ).