Spatial Occurrence and Fate Assessment of Potential Emerging Contaminants in the Flowing Surface Waters
Miraji Hossein *
Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P.O.Box 338, Dodoma, Tanzania
Othman Chande
Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O.Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Ngassapa Faustin
Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O.Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Mureithi Erwin
Department of Mathematics, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O.Box 35062, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The current study investigated the occurrence of emerging contaminants (ECs) at the Msimbazi and Kizinga Rivers in Tanzania by using GC/MS QP2010 Ultra Shimadzu. The cross-country distribution along East Africa countries and the fate of ECs were studied for extrapolation and insight the extent of aquatic pollution in East Africa. It was revealed that all pharmaceuticals such as 0.0060 ppm of paracetamol, 0.0073 ppm of cetirizine, 0.0024 ppm of metronidazole and 0.0016 ppm of ibuprofen that were frequently quantified were also listed in the first-line medical prescriptions, they are available at over-the-counter supply and mostly used for the treatment of prominent diseases in Tanzania. It was further observed that quantified pharmaceuticals in Tanzania are certain in Kenya and Uganda since these countries have common diseases causing death and a similar list of essential medicines. Moreover, qualitative experiments identified the existence of norethindrone, caffeine, and polysiloxanes, which are proof of anthropogenic origin.
Keywords: Emerging contaminants, essential medicines list, surface water, solid phase extraction, Msimbazi, Kizinga