Advanced research regarding the transfer of emerging contaminants from abiotic environmental factors to aquatic organisms and plants through bioaccumulation (BIOACUM)

The objective of the project was to evaluate the transfer and bioaccumulation of emergent contaminants from abiotic environmental factors to aquatic organisms and plants. The project validate-in house three analytical methods for ultratrace detection of three distinct emergent contaminants classes: (a) endocrine disruptors (UV filters and degradation products) from surface water and wastewater, (b) pharmaceuticals (anti - diabetics and metabolites) from surface water and wastewater, (c) herbicides (synthetic auxins) from water, vegetation and soil samples. The validated methods were used to quantify the content of endocrine disruptors, anti - diabetics and metabolites, synthetic auxins in wastewater, surface water, soil and vegetation. The transfer factors of the toxic metals As, Cd, Ni and Pb from the polluted soil to the roots and aerial parts of chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla) and mint (Mentha Piperita) were determined. The degree of contamination with organic pollutants adsorbed on microplastics from Jiu river was evaluated (upstream and downstream of the wastewater treatment plants Targu-Jiu and Craiova respectively).