Spatio-temporal distribution and source identification of antibiotics in suspended matter in the Fen River Basin
Ruimin Liu1, Yunan Wang1, Linfang Wang2
1State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China.
Abstract:
In this study, 26 typical antibiotics in the suspended matter of the Fen River basin were analyzed during the wet and dry seasons, and the main sources of antibiotic contamination were further identified. The results showed that the concentrations of antibiotics in the suspended matter varied seasonally. Sixteen antibiotics were detected in the suspended matter during the wet season with an average concentration of 463.56 ng/L. However, a total of 21 antibiotics were detected in the dry season, with an average concentration of 106.00 ng/L. The concentration of chloramphenicol antibiotics was outstanding in the wet season and dry season. The spatial distribution of the antibiotics in suspended matter showed little spatial discrepancy during the wet season. During the dry season, nevertheless, the concentration was higher upstream than midstream and downstream. The main sources of antibiotics in the Fen River Basin were livestock and poultry breeding, wastewater from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), agricultural drainage, domestic sewage, and pharmaceutical wastewater. Wastewater from WWTPs and domestic sewage were identified as two primary sources in the suspended matter during the wet season, with wastewater from WWTPs contributing the most accounting for 37%. While the most significant source of antibiotics in the suspended matter in the dry season was pharmaceutical wastewater, accounting for 36%. In addition, the contribution proportion of sources for antibiotics exhibited discrepant spatial distribution characteristics. In the wet season, wastewater from WWTPs dominated in the upstream and midstream, and livestock and poultry breeding was prominent in the midstream and downstream. Pharmaceutical wastewater was the main source in the midstream and downstream regions during the dry season.
Insights
Antibiotic contamination in Fen River suspended matter varied seasonally, with higher concentrations and more types detected during the wet season. Wastewater treatment plants and domestic sewage were key sources in the wet season, while pharmaceutical wastewater dominated in the dry season.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Antibiotic contamination in river systems poses a significant environmental and health risk.
- Understanding seasonal variations and sources of antibiotic pollution is crucial for effective management.
- The Fen River basin is a key area for studying antibiotic pollution dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze seasonal and spatial variations of 26 typical antibiotics in Fen River suspended matter.
- To identify and quantify the main sources of antibiotic contamination in the river basin.
- To investigate the seasonal and spatial contribution of different sources to antibiotic pollution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 26 antibiotics in suspended matter collected during wet and dry seasons.
- Seasonal and spatial distribution analysis of antibiotic concentrations.
- Source apportionment of antibiotic contamination using contribution proportion analysis.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic concentrations in suspended matter varied seasonally, with higher levels during the wet season (463.56 ng/L, 16 antibiotics) compared to the dry season (106.00 ng/L, 21 antibiotics).
- Chloramphenicol showed consistently high concentrations in both seasons.
- Spatial distribution differed seasonally: uniform in the wet season, but higher upstream in the dry season. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and domestic sewage were primary sources in the wet season (WWTPs: 37%), while pharmaceutical wastewater was dominant in the dry season (36%).
Conclusions:
- Seasonal variations significantly impact antibiotic concentrations and types in Fen River suspended matter.
- Wastewater treatment plants, domestic sewage, and pharmaceutical wastewater are major contributors to antibiotic pollution.
- Source contributions exhibit distinct spatial patterns, highlighting the need for targeted pollution control strategies.
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