Presence of emerging contaminants in Natural Wetlands: L'Albufera Lake in Valencia as study case

Abstract

A wide range of pharmaceutical compounds have been identified in the environment, and their presence is a topic of growing concern for human and ecological health. In this work, a multi-residue method is developed for screening and confirmation in sediment samples of 17 pharmaceuticals belonging to different therapeutical classes: analgesics, ß-blockers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, antidepressants and lipid regulators. The target area to apply the methodology is the Natural Park of L¿Albufera (Valencia, Spain). This park is one of the most important wetlands of the Europe not only for its biodiversity in flora and fauna but also because it is one key point for migratory birds. Paradoxically, it is surrounded by towns and industrial belts as well as crossed by roads that produce an intense pressure on the wetland.