Emerging contaminants in Brazilian aquatic environment: identifying targets of potential concern based on occurrence and ecological risk

Although studies have shown the presence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in the Brazilian environment in recent decades, several biological effects on the aquatic ecosystem are unknown. Brazil is the fifth largest country in extension in the world, and its wide territory presents geographic regions with diverse demographic and economic characteristics. In order to identify targets of potential concern based on occurrence and ecological risk, available data from previous studies were examined to conduct environmental risk analysis and provide a ranking of CECs in Brazilian aquatic environment based on environmental concentration measured in the last 10 years. The results indicate that 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol, 17ss-estradiol, acetaminophen, Bisphenol A, caffeine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, methylparaben, sulfamethoxazole and triclosan are the CECs that represent the greatest threats to the Brazilian environment. Therefore, these contaminants should be considered as a priority in future monitoring studies. Besides, identification of target monitoring compounds can facilitate the selection of pollutant candidates in future legislations.

Automated summary

Despite the presence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in the Brazilian environment, the biological effects on the aquatic ecosystem are still unknown, necessitating further research and monitoring. By analyzing data from the past decade, it was determined that 10 specific CECs pose the greatest threats to the Brazilian environment, urging for them to be prioritized in future monitoring studies. Identifying target monitoring compounds can aid in selecting pollutant candidates for future legislations.