Assessing the presence of endocrine disruptors and markers of anthropogenic activity in a water supply system in northeastern Brazil

Several chemical substances known as micropollutants are used in daily activities, and they pose risks to both human health and the environment. Some of these substances disrupt the endocrine system in addition to being responsible for major public health issues and for endangering some aquatic species. The aim of this research is to investigate the frequency of endocrine disruptors and anthropogenic activity markers in a Water Supply System (SAA) in Sergipe State, Brazil. Twenty-two water samples were collected from five SAA points from 2016 to 2017. They were prepared through solid phase extraction and analyzed in a gas chromatographer coupled to a mass spectrometer. In total, 13 compounds (diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, nonylphenol, pentachlorophenol, bisphenol A, androstane, estrone, estradiol, 17 -ethinyl estradiol, progesterone, coprostanol, cholesterol and caffeine) that are endocrine disruptors and antrophic activity markers were herein assessed - both in raw (underground and surface) and treated water (distribution system and reservoir) samples. Based on our results, 50% of the samples contained caffeine; 45.5%, cholesterol; 31.81%, diethyl phthalate; 31.81%, dibutyl phthalate; 18.18%, bisphenol A; and 4.54%, estradiol. Therefore, it is important to create and implement public policies focused on public health and on assuring the safety of aquatic ecosystems.