Department of Ecology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Environ Toxicol Chem. 2009 Dec;28(12):2706-14. doi: 10.1897/08-486.1. Epub 2009 Mar 5.
A wide range of human pharmaceuticals are present at low concentrations in freshwater systems, particularly in sections of polluted river. These compounds show high biological activity, often associated with a high stability. These characteristics imply a potential impact of these substances on aquatic biota even when present at low environmental concentrations. Low flow conditions in Mediterranean rivers, most of which flow through densely populated areas and are subjected to intensive water use, increase the environmental risk of these emergent compounds. Here, we studied whether pharmaceuticals in river water affect the local benthic community structure (diatoms and invertebrates). For this purpose, we analyzed the occurrence of pharmaceuticals along the Llobregat River and examined the benthic community structure (diatoms and invertebrates) of this system. Some pharmaceutical products in the Llobregat River registered concentrations greater than those cited in the literature. Multivariate analyses revealed a potential causal association between the concentrations of some anti-inflammatories and beta-blockers and the abundance and biomass of several benthic invertebrates (Chironomus spp. and Tubifex tubifex). Further interpretation in terms of cause-and-effect relationships is discussed; however, it must be always taken with caution because other pollutants also may have significant contributions. Combined with further community experiments in the laboratory, our approach could be a desirable way to proceed in future risk management decisions.
大量的人类药物以低浓度存在于淡水系统中，特别是在污染河流的部分区域。这些化合物表现出很高的生物活性，通常与高稳定性有关。这些特征意味着即使在低环境浓度下，这些物质也可能对水生生物群产生潜在影响。地中海河流的低流量条件，其中大多数流经人口密集地区并受到密集的水资源利用，增加了这些新兴化合物的环境风险。在这里，我们研究了河水中的药物是否会影响当地的底栖群落结构（硅藻和无脊椎动物）。为此，我们分析了沿 Llobregat 河的药物出现情况，并检查了该系统的底栖群落结构（硅藻和无脊椎动物）。Llobregat 河中的一些药物产品的浓度大于文献中引用的浓度。多元分析显示，一些消炎药和β受体阻滞剂的浓度与几种底栖无脊椎动物（摇蚊属和颤蚓属）的丰度和生物量之间存在潜在的因果关系。进一步讨论了因果关系的解释；然而，必须始终谨慎对待，因为其他污染物也可能有重大贡献。结合实验室中的进一步群落实验，我们的方法可能是未来风险管理决策的一种可取途径。
