The Presence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Northern Alabama Aquatic Ecosystems

Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals and other chemical compounds in drinking water are known to have adverse effects on human health, animal health, and the environment. This research study will show the presence of pharmaceuticals and other chemical compounds in Flint River (Madison County, AL) and Flint Creek (Morgan County, AL). Along the Flint River, samples were taken at three sites: Winchester Road, Brian Fork, and Hobbs Road. Similarly, along Flint Creek, samples were taken at three sites: Vaughn Bridge, Mean Bridge and Red Bank Bridge. At each site, samples were taken at four locations: upland from the water, along the banks of the water, at the deposition sediment of the water, and within the surface water itself. Samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of and concentration of chemical compounds by Waypoint Analytical Laboratory using proprietary High-Pressure LC/MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography and Dual Mass Spectroscopy) methods. Between 14 and 26 chemical compounds were identified at each site, adding up to a total of 548 chemical compounds between Flint River and Flint Creek. The chemical compounds and their concentrations were recorded and then sorted into four categories: pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), petroleum compounds, and CECs (Contaminants of Emerging Concern). Between both Flint River and Flint Creek, PPCPs were the largest category of contaminants, comprising of 46% of compounds identified. This study demonstrates that Flint River and Flint Creek are potentially hazardous to Madison County and Morgan County residents, as trace concentrations of pharmaceuticals in drinking water can cause several health issues.