Musks contaminate water

Abstract We have reviewed the human exposure to selected emerging organic contaminants, such new brominated flame retardants, organophosphate flame retardants, phthalate substitutes, triclosan, synthetic musks, bisphenol-A, perchlorate, and polycyclic siloxanes. Levels of these emerging contaminants in matrices relevant for human exposure (air, dust, food, water, etc.) and in human matrices (blood, urine, or tissues) have been reviewed, together with some of the relevant health effects reported recently. 

For preselected compounds (e.g. thiophosphates, benzothiazoles, nitrobenzenes and polycyclic musk fragrances) the contribution of the Elbe river to the contamination of coastal waters has been demonstrated quantitatively (Gatermann et al., 1995 Gatermann et al., 1996 Bester et al., 1997 Bester et al., 1998). 

This study described the application of a common analytical procedure adapted for compound-specific stable carbon isotope analyses of riverine contaminants. To evaluate the sensitivity of the analytical method and the precision of the isotopic data obtained a set of numerous substances at different concentration levels were measured. For most of the anthropogenic contaminants investigated (including chlorinated aliphatics and aromatics, musk fragrances, phthalate based plasticizers and tetrabutyl tin) acceptable carbon isotope analyses could be obtained down to amounts of approx. 5 ng. These amounts correspond to concentrations in water samples at a natural abundance level of low to medium contaminated river systems. However, it has to be considered that the accuracy as well as the sensitivity of the analytical method depend partially on the chemical properties of the substances measured. 

Heberer Th, Gramer S, Stan HJ (1999b) Occurrence and distribution of Organic contaminants in the aquatic system. Part III Determination of synthetic musks in Berlin surface water applying solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the full-scan mode. Acta Hydrochim Hydrobiol 21, 150-156. 

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