Input and fate of anthropogenic estrogens and gadolinium in surface water and sewage plants in the hydrological basin of Prague (Czech Republic)

The concentration of the estrogens 17 beta-estradiol, estriol, estrone, 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol, mestranol and norethisterone and of the anthropogenic gadolinium (Gd-ant) has been determined in the creeks and rivers. sewage treatment plants and water works of the city of Prague. The rapid degradation of estrogens in surface water allows the estrogen concentration gradient to be used as a very precise and sensitive guideline by which to pin-point sewage leaks into surface run-off water. The rather conservative behavior of Gd-ant in surface and ground water documents in the present case the presence of sewage water in the surface water cycle.