Occurrence and Fate of Sulfonamide Antibiotics in Surface Waters: Climatic Effects on Their Presence in the Mediterranean Region and Aquatic Ecosystem Vulnerability

Abstract

Surface water bodies are constantly exposed to pollutant inputs of different origin. Wastewater effluents discharge directly on the receiving natural streams, and are among the main entrance pathways for sulfonamides. Strong contrast between seasons, with the consequent fluctuations in the flow rates, and heavy contamination pressures from extensive urban, industrial, and agricultural activities are characteristics of water courses located in the Mediterranean area. The low base flows of Mediterranean rivers makes their hydrology cycle heavily dependent on wastewater inputs, and therefore removal efficiencies of wastewater treatment plants are key to the health of the aquatic ecosystem.