Title: Qualitative analysis of the presence of emerging contaminants in water supplies for human use: a case study of the Guilherme de Azevedo reservoir in Caruaru (PE, Brazil)

Authors: Heleno Luiz Dos Santos Junior; Gilson Lima Da Silva; Valdinete Lins Da Silva

Addresses: Núcleo de Tecnologia – Centro Acadêmico do Agreste, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE (Federal University of Pernambuco), Rodovia BR-104 km 59 – Nova Caruaru, Caruaru, Pernambuco, CEP: 55002-970, Brazil ' Núcleo de Tecnologia – Centro Acadêmico do Agreste, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE (Federal University of Pernambuco), Rodovia BR-104 km 59 – Nova Caruaru, Caruaru, Pernambuco, CEP: 55002-970, Brazil ' Departamento de Engenharia Química – Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE (Federal University of Pernambuco), Rua Teresa Mélia s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-521, Brazil

Abstract: Interest in studies related to emerging contaminants has increased among the scientific community. Although this area has only recently begun to be investigated, a number of important reports have been published, in which these substances have been shown to cause significant abnormalities in the endocrine system of animals, thereby directly affecting the environment and natural cycles. These emerging contaminants are generally pharmaceutical products that are used for personal hygiene, natural hormones, illicit drugs, industrial by-products and indicators of anthropogenic activity. The methodology adopted involved filtering samples with glass fibre and cellulose acetate membrane filters, extraction and concentration using the solid phase extraction (SPE) method, and analysis using potentiometric detectors incorporated in a continuous flow system. The identification of these contaminants in water supplies for human use is essential, although it is only the first and primordial phase in the development of future studies to discuss removal options.

Keywords: emerging contaminants; pollutant identification; drinking water; human consumption; water pollution; pharmaceutical products; glass fibre filters; cellulose acetate membrane filters; water supplies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAOM.2014.061425

International Journal of Advanced Operations Management, 2014 Vol.6 No.2, pp.101 - 109

Published online: 02 Jul 2014 *

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