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This article compares the concentration levels of 17β-estradiol (E2), bisphenol-A (BPA) and caffeine (CAF) in the Sinos River, Brazil, which is a source of drinking water and the presence of contaminants after the conventional treatment in a municipal water treatment plant (WTP). A total of nine sampling campaigns were carried out, with sample collection in the Sinos River, upstream and downstream of the WTP, in addition to a drinking water sample (DW). The samples were extracted with solid phase extraction (SPE) and the concentration by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The maximum concentration in the Sinos River was 6,127.99 ng·L−1 for E2, 3,294.63 ng·L−1 for BPA and 1,221.95 ng·L−1 for CAF. In drinking water, the concentration range of E2, BPA and CAF was from less than the Detection Limit (DL) up to 437.50 ng·L−1,

Because of its toxicity and impacts on the environment and human health, bisphenol A (BPA) has been controlled in numerous industrialized nations, increasing demand for bisphenol analogues (BP) for its replacement. However, the consequences of these chemicals on the environment and the health of persons exposed to their emissions are still being researched. The emissions from polypropylene manufacturing facilities in Colombia and Brazil were evaluated in this study, and the presence of bisphenol A and four BPs was detected among the gaseous compounds released, with total concentrations of BPs (∑BP) between 92 and 1565 ng g−1. As the melt flow index (MFI) of the polymer rises, so does the quantity of volatiles in its matrix that are eliminated during deodorization, indicating that the MFI and the amount of bisphenol released have a directly proportional connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aquidauana River is an important ecological corridor in the Pantanal biome. However, the growth of agricultural and urban areas along its banks has contributed to the deterioration of its water quality, consequently putting the aquatic biota at risk. Our objectives were to evaluate: 1) the composition of the landscape around six sampling sites located in the Aquidauana River middle section; and 2) the quality of its water by determining limnological parameters, concentrations of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and the risks to native aquatic biota. Water samples were collected in November 2020. We observed the conversion of native riparian vegetation to extensive pasture areas and anthropic occupation around the sampling sites. We observed that the chlorophyll and total ammoniacal nitrogen values were above the standards established by Brazilian legislation in all samples. Studies focused on the quantification of CECs in the Pantanal waters are scarce, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the presence of pharmaceuticals in the Aquidauana River. All 30 CECs analyzed were detected in at least one water sample. Eleven CECs were quantified with eight pesticides (atrazine, diuron, hexazinone, tebuthiuron, azoxystrobin, carbendazim, tebuconazole, and fipronil) and one atrazine degradation product (atrazine-2-hydroxy), caffeine, and bisphenol A. The concentrations of atrazine herbicide observed in the water samples pose risks for protecting aquatic biota (RQs >1). Therefore, the native biota of the Pantanal biome is vulnerable to several types of toxic contaminants observed in the water, which can cause the disappearance of native and endemic species in this region. Establishing a monitoring program, improving sanitation infrastructure, and intensifying good agricultural practices are essential for reducing and controlling the entry of CECs into the Aquidauana River and the Pantanal water system. [Display omitted] • We observed the conversion of riparian forest into pasture around sampling sites. • Chlorophyll and total ammoniacal nitrogen values were above Brazilian legislation. • All 30 contaminants of emerging concern were detected in at least one water sample. • 8 pesticides and one degradation product, caffeine and bisphenol A were quantified. • Atrazine concentrations presented risks to aquatic biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional expository classes, whose only didactic resources are the blackboard and the teacher's talk, are neither the only alternative nor the most productive one to teach Chemistry. Keeping it in mind, this study aimed at addressing one of several topics in Chemistry - plastics - by problematizing everyday situations, since the composition of some plastic packaging includes harmful compounds, such as bisphenol A (BPA). Specifically, BPA is an industrial chemical product which has been broadly used in its monomeric form to yield epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. Since it has excellent physical and chemical characteristics, it has been used as lining of metal packaging, besides the manufacturing of milk bottles and household items. However, BPA, even at low concentrations, may cause infertility, nervous system disorders, diabetes, cancer, obesity, precocious puberty and cardiovascular diseases. In order to make Chemistry teaching more attractive, this study aimed at informing students about effects of BPA at the Instituto Federal do Triângulo Mineiro - Campus Uberlândia Centro (IFTM - UDICENTRO), a high school located in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais (MG) state, Brazil. Thus, questionnaire about BPA was applied to the students and the theme and the adverse effects of this compound were discussed from a chemical point of view. Results of the study and both students' learning and awareness-raising were considered satisfactory. Teaching which includes students' reality is capable of improving their comprehension and make Chemistry classes more attractive and pleasant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern in Brazil is compiled. • Control of contaminants of emerging concern in MWWTP in Brazil is analyzed. • The fate of pesticides in agricultural areas in Brazil is assessed. • Legislation concerning CEC in Brazil is presented and contrasted to the US and EU. • Status of CEC contamination in Brazil is transposable to other developing nations. This is the first review to present data obtained in Brazil over the years regarding contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) and to contrast it with contamination in other countries. Data gathered indicated that caffeine, paracetamol, atenolol, ibuprofen, cephalexin and bisphenol A occur in the μg L−1 range in streams near urban areas. While endocrine disruptors are frequently detected in surface waters, highest concentrations account for 17α-ethynylestradiol and 17β-estradiol. Organochlorine pesticides are the most frequently found and persistent in sediments in agricultural regions. Moreover, in tropical agricultural fields, pesticide volatilization and its implications to ecosystem protection must be better investigated. The reality represented here for Brazil may be transposed to other developing countries due to similarities related to primitive basic sanitation infrastructure and economic and social contexts, which contribute to continuous environmental contamination by CEC. Municipal wastewater treatment facilities in Brazil, treat up to the secondary stage and lead to limited CEC removal. This is also true for other nations in Latin America, such as Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. Therefore, it is an urgent priority to improve sanitation infrastructure and, then, the implementation of tertiary treatment shall be imposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First report on bisphenol E, F, and S in infant formulas marketed in Brazil. • A simple and easy sample preparation was optimized by the Plackett-Burman screening design. • Bisphenols A, E, F, and S were quantified at levels higher than 10 µg kg−1. • Up to 20 % of the samples contained bisphenol F from 46.4 to 198.9 µg kg−1. • Estimated daily intakes were below the temporary TDI of 4 µg kg−1 bw set for bisphenol A. For the first time, structural analogues to bisphenol A were investigated in infant formulas marketed in Brazil. A fast and high throughput UPLC-MS/MS method was established for simultaneous analysis of bisphenol A, B, E, F, and S in complex infant formula matrices. The influence of mobile phase composition on electrospray ionization response in negative mode was studied to improve the detectability of the method. As also, the main sample preparation variables that could affect the extraction and cleanup were screened by the Plackett-Burman design. The method performance characteristics were adequate, including reliable limits of detection (5–10 µg kg−1) and quantification (10–20 µg kg−1) with suitable recoveries (84.2–108.9 %) and precision (≤18 %). Sixty-one infant formulas were analyzed, and 36 % of total samples contained at least one bisphenol analogue, whose levels ranged between 10.9 and 198.9 µg kg−1. Based on a deterministic approach, the estimated daily intakes for babies up to 6 months old, fed exclusively with infant formula, were below the temporary tolerable daily intake of 4 µg kg−1 body weight set for bisphenol A by the European Food Safety Authority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine and metabolic disruptor commonly employed as a color developer in thermal papers. Consequently, BPA derived from thermal papers has been considered an important source of exposure for humans, since this chemical may migrate from paper to skin upon contact. Further, due to recent restrictions on BPA use in some countries, it has been replaced by a new analogue, bisphenol S (BPS). The aim of the present study was to determine levels of BPA and BPS in 190 different thermal receipts, randomly collected from different locations in São Paulo State, Brazil, including receipts from supermarkets, general and fast-food restaurants, gas stations, bus and airplane tickets, and credit card and bank accounts. BPA and/or BPS were detected in 98% of samples at concentrations ranging from below the quantification limit to 4.3% (mg/100 mg paper). The obtained values were higher than amounts previously reported in other countries. The estimated daily intake through dermal absorption from handling of thermal receipt papers was estimated on the basis of concentrations and frequencies of handling of papers by humans in both the general population and occupationally exposed individuals. Fifth percentile, median, and 95th percentile daily intakes by the general population were 0.44, 1.42, and 2 μg/d, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for occupationally exposed population are 21.8, 71 and 101 μg/d. The potential adverse consequences of elevated occupational exposure are currently being examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new validated method is described for determining bisphenol A (BPA) in surface and public-supply water samples. Recovery rates of 91% to 113%, with coefficients of variation below 8.9%, were obtained within the limit of detection (2.4 ng L