Target and suspect contaminants of emerging concern in the Po River Delta lagoons

A comprehensive analytical screening has been applied for the first time to surficial sediment samples collected from seven lagoons of the Po River Delta. This screening has been used to gain further insights into the exposure conditions potentially present in the Po lagoons. Despite a certain degree of variability was observable within the lagoons, this study confirmed the general tendency that the northernmost Caleri lagoon is less contaminated than the other lagoons of the delta, which conversely are more exposed to river waters and particularly to the Po River. This screening identified 23 suspect and 8 target contaminants in the investigated lagoons. The target contaminants were quantified by means of authentic analytical standards, and showed concentration values ranging from 0.01 ng/g for irbesartan, to 80 ng/g for DEET, respectively. The surveyed molecules included pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, personal care products, pesticides as well as illicit substances mainly originating from inland waters and the anthropic activities of their (sub)basins. Notably, many of these chemicals, such as flame retardants (TPhP, TCEP, TCPP), phthalates (DnBP, DiBP, DnOP), synthetic hormones (norethisterone, trenbolone) and several parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, butylparaben) are endocrine disruptors and have been detected in all Po Delta lagoons. This study showed that the lagoons of the Po Delta are exposed to a multitude of chemicals substances whose multiple interactions are very likely. As suggested by other studies conducted in this area, the disrupting activities of chemicals capable to interfere with the endocrine system of aquatic organisms should be thoroughly investigated.