Occurrence of organochlorine compounds in biosolids from Wastewater Treatment Plants in Panama City

Biosolids (treated sewage sludge) obtained because of wastewater treatment constitute a source of high beneficial value within the concept of circular economy. However, within its physicochemical characteristics associated with its high content of organic material, this matrix presents certain environmental risks due to the presence of environmental contaminants that can affect ecosystems and human health. In this sense, for this study Ultrasonic Extraction and Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry were used to know the profile, distribution, and behavior of these chemical substances, with a view to carrying out future studies specifically. The results obtained show that, of the selected samples, the municipal sludge shows a presence of 79.49%, the hoteliers, 20.51% and the commercial ones, undetected, which demonstrates environmental contamination and future opportunity to carry out investigations for the determination selective and specific of xenobiotics in this type of samples. It is the first report focused on the study of identification of organic compounds in biosolids in Panama City.