Identification, quantification, and prioritization of new emerging pollutants in domestic and industrial effluents, Korea: Application of LC-HRMS based suspect and non-target screening

Abstract

The present study was designed to identify recently (or rarely) recognized or unreported substances (RRS or URS) contained in the effluents from water treatment plants in two industrialized urban areas, Gumi and Daegu, in Korea. In addition to 30 initial targets, 72 substances were identified through suspect and non-target screening (SNTS). Among them were 4 RRSs and 22 URSs, respectively. The quantitative analyses were applied to 35 pharmaceuticals, 15 pesticides, 13 poly-/perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), 2 organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), 2 corrosion inhibitors, and 3 metabolites. The highest average concentration was observed for benzotriazole, followed by those for niflumic acid, and metformin. Effluents from Gumi mainly contained benzotriazole and metformin whereas niflumic acid and tramadol were the major components in effluents from Daegu. According to a scoring system based on risk relevant parameters, higher priorities were given to telmisartan, PFOA, and cimetidine. Yet, priorities for some substances were area specific (e.g., benzotriazole from Gumi, PFASs from Daegu), reflecting differences in industry profiles and populations. Many of the RRSs and URSs were recognized as potential hazards. The new identifications and evaluations should be taken into consideration for constant monitoring and management, as do the previously recognized contaminants.

Keywords: LC-HRMS/MS; effluent; micropollutants; prioritization; suspect and non-target screening.