Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.05.037
Title (Primary) Temporal and spatial patterns of micropollutants in urban receiving waters
Author Musolff, A.; Leschik, S.; Möder, M.; Strauch, G.; Reinstorf, F.; Schirmer, M.
Source Titel Environmental Pollution
Year 2009
Department ANA; HDG
Volume 157
Issue 11
Page From 3069
Page To 3077
Language englisch
Keywords Monitoring; Urban water; Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP); Endocrine disruptors; Seasonality
Abstract Based on a monitoring program over the course of a year, we characterize the temporal and spatial distribution of selected micropollutants in an urban watershed within the city of Leipzig, Germany. Micropollutants revealed a ubiquitous presence in untreated and treated wastewater, surface water and groundwater. The loads of 4-nonylphenol in the effluents of the municipal wastewater treatment plant followed a seasonal trend, whereas the loads of all other micropollutants were highly variable and not correlated to seasons. In the surface water, load seasonality of caffeine, galaxolide and tonalide resulted from a rapid removal with increased water temperature. The loads of 4-nonylphenol and of caffeine in the colder months increased when rainfall occurred. In the groundwater, complex spatial and temporal patterns were apparent and were related to varying input, retardation and removal processes. As a consequence, an assessment of micropollutants in urban waters should consider different micropollutants' temporal and spatial variability.Micropollutants in urban receiving waters are characterized by variable temporal and spatial concentration and load patterns that have to be considered in risk assessments.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=427
Musolff, A., Leschik, S., Möder, M., Strauch, G., Reinstorf, F., Schirmer, M. (2009):
Temporal and spatial patterns of micropollutants in urban receiving waters
Environ. Pollut. 157 (11), 3069 - 3077 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.05.037