Determination of compounds of emerging concern in surface water from agricultural land

Research undertaken on surface water quality indicated an increasing occurrence of anthropogenic contaminants. Those compounds can be harmful to the whole aquatic environment. The aim of the undertaken research was the identification of contaminants of emerging concern in small natural ponds located between arable fields in the Silesian Voivodeship. The samples were collected at the early stage of plant vegetation – spring period, and immediately before harvest – autumn season. The collected samples, after pre-treatment, were subjected to solid-phase extraction process and analysed with a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass detector. The analysis showed the presence of micropollutants from the group of pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and industrial additives in the samples. Furthermore, trace amounts of zearalenone – a myco-toxin, were also confirmed in samples collected during the autumn season. The potentially harmful impact of the identified compounds was evaluated through toxicological analyses conducted on Lemna minor vascular plants and Aliivibrio fischeri saltwater bacteria. The obtained results indicated low toxicity towards plants of the water collected from points A, B and C, and a toxic character towards bacteria, regardless of the season.