Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk assessment of artificial sweeteners in surface and ground waters of the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River (Henan section, China)

As a new class of water contaminants, artificial sweeteners (ASs) have attracted much attention due to their environmental persistence and potential adverse effects to human and the environment. This study systematically investigated the occurrence and distribution of four commonly used ASs in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), surface water and groundwater in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River (Henan section). Sucralose (SUC) was dominant in WWTP effluents and had the highest mass loading. Acesulfame (ACE), cyclamate (CYC), saccharin (SAC), and SUC were consistently detected in surface water at concentrations ranging from 1.364 ng/L (CYC) to 7786 ng/L (ACE). Spatial analysis showed that the pollution level of ASs in the trunk stream was lower than that in most tributaries. The total concentrations of ASs detected in surface water ranged between 308.7 and 10,498 ng/L, while in groundwater, the total concentration of ASs detected was between ND-4863 ng/L. ACE and SUC are the main pollutants in surface water and groundwater within this survey area. The risk assessment showed that the risks of the four target ASs to aquatic organisms were negligible (risk quotient (RQ) values < 0.1), and the maximum risk quotient of the mixtures (MRQ) values of all rivers were all much less than 0.1.

Automated summary

This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of four commonly used artificial sweeteners (ASs) in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants, surface water, and groundwater in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. The results showed that sucralose was dominant in wastewater treatment plant effluents and had the highest mass loading. ACE, CYC, SAC, and SUC were consistently detected in surface water. The risk assessment indicated that the risks of these ASs to aquatic organisms were negligible.