Assessment of chemical footprints of hydrophobic pesticide/biocide contamination in western Kenya using polydimethylsiloxane silicone passive samplers.

In a previous study based on LC-HRMS screening of pesticides and other organic micropollutants, it was shown that pesticide pollution of water resources in western Kenya poses a significant risk to aquatic and human health. In the current study, this assessment was completed with the investigation of more hydrophobic organochlorine, organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides in surface waters and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influents and effluents using polydimethylsiloxane silicone passive samplers and Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Chemical footprints were assessed based on the mixture risks of the detected pesticides on algae, fish and crustaceans determined using the Toxic Unit approach.

Occurrence and potential risk of steroid hormones in selected surface water and wastewater treatment plants in western Kenya.

Steroid hormones are significant contributors to endocrine disruption, affecting the hormonal functions of both humans and aquatic organisms. However, data on their occurrence and risks in fresh water systems particularly in low- and middle-income countries, is scarce. In this regard, a comprehensive investigation of 58 steroid hormones in rivers and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was conducted in western Kenya.

Mixtures of toxic organic micropollutants compromise the safety of water resources in urban agglomerations in low- and medium-income countries: The example of Lahore, Pakistan.

Contamination of water resources with mixtures of organic micropollutants (OMP) including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals is a serious threat to aquatic organisms and human health. Long-term exposure to such pollutants may cause detrimental effects even at very low concentrations. Water resources in urban agglomerations in low- and medium-income countries may be under particular pressure due to high population densities, significant industrial activities, and limited water treatment and management resources.