Occurrence and Fate of Sulfonamide Antibiotics in Surface Waters: Climatic Effects on Their Presence in the Mediterranean Region and Aquatic Ecosystem Vulnerability

摘要: Surface water bodies are constantly exposed to pollutant inputs of different origin. Wastewater effluents discharge directly on the receiving natural streams, and among main entrance pathways for sulfonamides. Strong contrast between seasons, with consequent fluctuations in flow rates, heavy contamination pressures from extensive urban, industrial, agricultural activities characteristics courses located Mediterranean area. The low base flows rivers makes their hydrology cycle heavily dependent wastewater inputs, therefore removal efficiencies treatment plants key health aquatic ecosystem.