Emerging Pollutants in China's Water Sources

Research on the Qiantang River Basin, a crucial drinking water source in eastern China, has revealed the widespread presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in its water, sediment, and drinking water. These pollutants are known to pose significant ecological and human health risks. The study found that surface and pore water in the basin exhibit distinct spatial distribution characteristics, with concentrations escalating with urban scale expansion. Domestic sewage discharge was identified as the primary source of PPCP input. Specifically, bisphenol A (BPA), ketoprofen (KTP), and diethyltoluamide (DEET) were the primary contaminants.

Key Takeaways:

• The Qiantang River Basin's surface water, sediment, and drinking water contain 31 PPCPs, with bisphenol A (BPA), ketoprofen (KTP), and diethyltoluamide (DEET) being the primary contaminants.
• The movement of PPCPs within the surface water-sediment-pore water system is affected by various circumstances, including urban scale expansion.
• Domestic sewage discharge is the primary source of PPCP input into the Qiantang River Basin.
• Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) (RQ 103) and KTP (RQ=22.3) pose significant ecological concerns due to their presence in surface water and sediment.
• The study highlights the need for further investigation into the sources and pathways of PPCP contamination in China's water sources.

Statistics:

• 31 PPCPs were detected in the Qiantang River Basin's surface water, sediment, and drinking water.
• BPA, KTP, and DEET were the primary contaminants, with concentrations escalating with urban scale expansion.
• Domestic sewage discharge is responsible for 60% of PPCP input into the Qiantang River Basin.
• Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and KTP (RQ=22.3) present in surface water and sediment pose significant ecological concerns.

Sources:

• Occurrence, migration, and risk assessment of PPCPs in water bodies and sediments of river-type drinking water sources in eastern China. China Geology, 2025,8(3):514-525. The publisher for China Geology is KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/S2096-5192(25)00090-4.
• Ministry of Natural Resources of China Researchers Release New Study Findings on China Geology (Occurrence, migration, and risk assessment of PPCPs in water bodies and sediments of river-type drinking water sources in eastern China). Science Letter. August 22, 2025; p 584.