Pharmaceutical residues and caffeine in Arctic fjord waters (west Spitsbergen)

This study examines pharmaceutical residues in the seawater of west Spitsbergen fjords, using indicator compounds that represent different types of medications with various therapeutic uses (sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, carbamazepine, diclofenac, and caffeine). Over three years (summer 2018-2021), trimethoprim, carbamazepine, diclofenac, and caffeine were detected in the investigated fjords (Hornsund, Adventfjorden, Grønnfjorden, Isfjorden, and Kongsfjorden), with diclofenac and caffeine being the most common. Sulfamethoxazole was below the limit of detection in all samples. Concentrations reached up to 46.90 ng/L for trimethoprim, 15.00 ng/L for carbamazepine, 8.40 ng/L for diclofenac, and 589.9 ng/L for caffeine. The results indicate that both insufficient wastewater management and cruise ships or other vessels should be considered as potential causes of the presence of pharmaceuticals and caffeine. Ecological risk assessment revealed predominantly low-risk concentrations, except for diclofenac, where the risk of adverse effects on biota was assessed as medium. The obtained results emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and management to mitigate potential adverse effects in the marine Arctic.