Seasonal analysis and environmental risk assessment of selected emerging pollutants in the Vaal River catchment area of South Africa.

ABSTRACT: The presence of pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics, in aquatic environments can significantly contribute to the rise of antibiotic resistance, presenting a critical global public health challenge. This study investigates the presence of four selected antibiotics and an antiretroviral drug (nevirapine) in the Vaal River in South Africa. Grab samples collected at nine sampling sites across four seasons were extracted using solid-phase extraction and analysed using liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The method detection limits ranged from 0.045 ng L^-1 for trimethoprim to 4.41 ng L^-1 for ciprofloxacin. A general trend of increasing concentrations was observed from upstream to downstream in all seasons, with autumn and winter showi

SUBMITTER: Mthiyane ZL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12572104 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature