Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

Everyday live activities may introduce a wide range of chemicals into wastewater systems. In this study presence of selected types of pharmaceuticals from cardiovascular system group, nervous and muscolo-skeleton system group, antimicrobial agents, genitourinary and sex hormones were tested in the wastewater from H. Arctowski Antarctic station. Moreover, the receiver of discharged wastewater (Admiralty Bay) were also studied. Considering the construction of new station facilities in the nearest future, this study was undertaken to support the selection of proper wastewater management, which is crucial to mitigate the environmental impact of human activity. The dispersal and distribution of wastewater after discharge into the receiver was analysed in 2017 and 2019 using: pharmaceuticals and other emerging pollutants analysis. Total list of compounds is available in (Svahn and Björklund 2016). Pharmaceuticals were tested using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Results have shown the presence of pharmaceutical substances in wastewater including: diclofenac, naproxen, doxycillin, propanolol at the level of ng/L. Moreover, their trace amounts have also been identified in the receiver (marine costal water of Admiralty Bay). The presence of anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics or beta-blockers in marine waters in the such e pristine environment like Antarctica can lead to long-term negative effects, which are not yet fully understood at this moment. Thus, considering high expectation for preserving Antarctic environment novel approaches for wastewater treatment should be considered (including zero discharge of pollutants (emerging contaminants and non-indigenous microorganisms), as well as potential reuse of treated water – as an important aspect of circular economy.

Authors

• dr inż. Małgorzata Szopińska link open in new tab ,
• prof. dr hab. inż. Aneta Łuczkiewicz link open in new tab ,
• dr hab. inż. Sylwia Fudala-Książek link open in new tab ,
• Joanna Potapowicz link open in new tab ,
• PhD Ola Svahn,
• Dr Erland Bjorklund,
• prof. dr hab. inż. Żaneta Polkowska link open in new tab