Distribution of anionic and nonionic surfactants in a sewage-impacted Mediterranean coastal lagoon: Inputs and seasonal variations

In this work we have monitored the seasonal inputs, occurrence and distribution of the world's most widely used surfactants (linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, LAS, nonylphenol polyethoxylates, NPEOs, and alcohol polyethoxylates, AEOs) in Mar Menor lagoon (SE Spain) and its main tributary (El Albujon) for the first time. Concentration of target compounds was determined in both surface waters and sediments after solid phase extraction and pressurized liquid extraction, respectively, followed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). There were significant differences in surfactant fluxes from El Albujon towards Mar Menor depending on the season and the day of the week, with maximum estimated annual inputs being detected for LAS (406 kg) and their metabolites, sulfophenyl carboxylic acids (482 kg). Average concentrations of surfactants in the lagoon were between 44 and 1665 mu g/kg in sediment, and between 0.3 and 63 mu g/L in water. These levels were significantly higher for samples collected near the shore than for those measured inside the lagoon itself. Overall, the occurrence and distribution of surfactants in the system could be explained due to a combination of different sources (surface and groundwater inputs, treated and untreated wastewater effluents, towns, ports, etc.) and simultaneous in-situ physicochemical and biological processes, with an special emphasis on degradation during warmer months. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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Traverso-Soto J.M. Lara-Martin P.A. Gonzalez-Mazo E. y Leon V.M. Distribution of anionic and nonionic surfactants in a sewage-impacted Mediterranean coastal lagoon: Inputs and seasonal variations. Elsevier B.V., 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.107

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Resource type Article
Date of creation 2024-11-05
Date of last revision 2024-11-05
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Metadata identifier e2416654-d62d-59c3-b8c0-722de840e0d4
Metadata language Spanish
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High-value dataset category Earth observation and environment
ISO 19115 topic category biota
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Name of the dataset creator Traverso-Soto, J.M., Lara-Martin, P.A., Gonzalez-Mazo, E. y Leon, V.M.
Name of the dataset editor Elsevier B.V.
Other identifier DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.107
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Email of the dataset creator juanmanuel.traverso@uca.es
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