Assessing the pharmaceutical residues as hotspots of the main rivers of Catalonia, Spain

Abstract The global increase in pharmaceutical consumption, driven by factors such as aging populations and chronic diseases, has raised concerns regarding the environmental impact of pharmaceutical contaminants (ECs). Europe, notably Catalonia in Spain, exhibits high pharmaceutical consumption rates, potentially exacerbating environmental contamination. Pharmaceuticals enter rivers through various pathways, persisting through wastewater treatment plants and posing risks to aquatic organisms and human health. Llobregat and Besòs rivers in Catalonia, crucial water sources, demonstrate detectable pharmaceutical levels, necessitating comprehensive analysis. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) proves effective in detecting pharmaceutical residues, facilitating risk assessment. This paper reviews the occurrence, fate, and risks associated with 78 pharmaceuticals in Llobregat and Besòs rivers, utilizing HPLC-MS/MS for analysis. Understanding pharmaceutical impacts on Catalonian river ecosystems is essential for developing mitigation strategies.