Screening of pharmaceuticals and other pollutants of concern by a combination of chemical and biological methods

Authors

Arlette Azua, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Chemistry

First Advisor's Name

Piero R. Gardinali

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Yong Cai

Third Advisor's Name

Kenneth Furton

Date of Defense

3-11-2005

Abstract

This study examined the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP's) in surface waters of Florida and their potential to be use as indicators of wastewater contamination. Previous studies have shown that elimination of pharmaceuticals in municipal sewage treatment plants is often incomplete. Aquatic ecosystems are under increased stress from human activities, particularly in heavily populated areas. The purpose of this study was to find an ideal indicator for wastewater. The applied methods, GC/MS and LC/MS, were suitable for the determination of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in aqueous environmental samples to the lower parts-per-trillion (ng/L) level. As a result of this study a snapshot view of the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in south Florida was produced. PPCP's were commonly detected in coastal environments of South Florida at relatively low concentrations. In general, PPCP's were higher inside the canals and contained bodies of water than in open water systems. Caffeine was successfully used to describe impacted versus pristine locations. However, no particular correlation was observed among caffeine and other traditional water quality parameters.

Identifier

FI14032388

Recommended Citation

Azua, Arlette, "Screening of pharmaceuticals and other pollutants of concern by a combination of chemical and biological methods" (2005). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1359.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1359