Identificación y cuantificación de contaminantes de preocupación emergente en núcleos sedimentarios del embalse de Tominé

Abstract

Given the risks associated with the presence in the environment of the pharmaceutical compounds Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), Trimethoprim (TMP) and Diclofenac (DCF), considered of emerging concern, it is necessary to monitor and regulate the use and deposition of these contaminants in different matrices, like sediment. For this reason, SMX, TMP and DCF were identified and quantified in a sedimentary core extracted from the Tominé reservoir (Cundinamarca-Colombia), using the ultrasound-assisted solid phase extraction technique to extract and concentrate these pollutants. Identification and quantification was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The three pharmaceutical compounds were detected throughout the core at concentrations between 16.05 - 4.43 ng / g, 13.39 - 10.77 ng / g and 26.40 - 17.33 ng / g for SMX, TMP and DCF respectively, which indicates the entry and accumulation of these compounds. In the sediments, being proof of the continuous use and disposal of SMX, TMP and DCF, which can enter the ecosystem by runoff and by catchment sources of the reservoir. In the same way, other parameters were established in the sedimentary core, such as organic matter and granulometry, which may be involved in the mobility of organic pollutants, their adsorption and bioavailability. Additionally, together with the analysis of the activity of 210Pb, they allowed to corroborate that the core has adequate conditions to be dated.