Fate and mobility of antibiotic residues in wastewater, river water, and drinking water: A study in the cities of Ilo and Moquegua

Vilca F.Z.; Tejeda J.L.R.; Tornisielo V.L.; Maldonado I.; Rojas-Briceño N.B.; Quiróz C.N.C.; Botero-Coy A.M.; Hernández F. · Process Safety and Environmental Protection (2025) · DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2025.107975

Resumen

Fluvial ecosystems are vital to both environmental integrity and human well-being, yet they are increasingly threatened by antibiotic contamination. This study assessed the presence of antibiotics in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), the Osmore River receiving effluent discharge, and drinking water. Water samples were collected from the WWTP influent and effluent, as well as from 13 points along the Osmore River. Additionally, drinking water samples were obtained from three households and the inlet of a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) during both rainy and dry seasons. A total of 32 target antibiotics were analysed using direct injection liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), employing an extensive set of isotope-labelled internal standards to mitigate matrix effects. The results revealed that during the rainy season, 16 antibiotics were detected in the WWTP influent and 11 in the effluent, whereas in the dry season, 12 and 11 antibiotics were found, respectively. Seven compounds (azithromycin, clindamycin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, metronidazole, and lincomycin) were identified as posing potential risks to human health. In the Osmore River, 13 antibiotics were detected during the rainy season and 12 during the dry season, with sulfamethoxazole and lincomycin being the most prevalent in the rainy season, while clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole, and lincomycin were predominant in the dry season, all present at all 13 sampling points. This study highlights the persistent presence of antibiotics across wastewater, surface water, and drinking water sources, underscoring the need for improved monitoring and treatment strategies to mitigate potential public health risks in vulnerable regions.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Moquegua