Occurrence of selected endocrine disrupting compounds in Iberian coastal areas and assessment of the environmental risk.

The spatial and temporal distribution of selected endocrine disrupting compounds (4- tert -octylphenol, 4- n -octylphenol, 4- n -nonylphenol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A) in two coastal areas of the Iberian Peninsula (Ria de Vigo and Mar Menor lagoon) were evaluated for the first time. Seawater and sediment samples collected during spring and autumn of 2015 were analysed using greener extraction techniques and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The presence of branched isomers (4- tert -octylphenol and nonylphenol) and bisphenol A in almost all seawater and sediment samples demonstrated their importance as pollutants in the frame of water policy, while no concentrations of linear isomers (4- n -octylphenol and 4- n -nonylphenol) were found. Higher seawater levels were observed in Mar Menor lagoon, especially in spring, associated with wastewater treatment plant effluents and nautical, agricultural and industrial activities. Similar sediment concentrations were measured in both studied areas, being nonylphenol levels five times higher than those measured for the other EDCs. Experimental sediment–water partition coefficients showed a moderate sorption of target compounds to sediments. Risk quotients for water compartment evidenced a moderate risk posed by nonylphenol, considering the worst-case scenario. For sediments, moderate risk related to 4- tert -octylphenol and high risk to nonylphenol were estimated. Image 1 • 4-alkylphenols and bisphenol A important pollutants in Ria de Vigo and Mar Menor lagoon. • The highest concentration measured in seawater corresponding to bisphenol A. • Sediment concentrations of nonylphenol five times higher than other compounds. • Wastewater treatment plant effluents and nautical activities main sources of pollution. • Potential risk posed by nonylphenol in both estuaries was indicated by risk quotient estimations. Occurrence, distribution and environmental impact of selected endocrine disrupting compounds in marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]