LC-MS/MS determination of antiretroviral drugs in influents and effluents from wastewater treatment plants in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abafe, Ovokeroye A.; Späth, Jana; Fick, Jerker; Jansson, Stina; Buckley, Chris; Stark, Annegret; Pietruschka, Bjoern; Martincigh, Bice S.
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 200(2018)
• Page Start: 660
• Page End: 670
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: HIV-ARVs -- ARVDs -- LC-MS/MS -- Matrix-effect -- DEWATS -- WWTPs; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: South Africa has the largest occurrence of the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) in the world but has also implemented the largest antiretroviral (ARV) treatment programme. It was therefore of interest to determine the presence and concentrations of commonly used antiretroviral drugs (ARVDs) and, also, to determine the capabilities of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for removing ARVDs. To this end, a surrogate standard based LC-MS/MS method was optimized and applied for the detection of thirteen ARVDs used in the treatment and management of HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in two major and one modular WWTP in the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The method was validated and the detection limits fell within the range of 2–20 ng L −1 . The analytical recoveries for the ARVDs were mainly greater than 50% with acceptable relative standard deviations. The concentration values ranged from <LOD – 53000 ng L −1 (influent), <LOD – 34000 ng L −1 (effluent) in a decentralized wastewater treatment facility (DEWATS); <LOD – 24000 ng L −1 (influent), <LOD – 33000 ng L −1 (effluent) in Northern WWTP and 61–34000 ng L −1 (influent), <LOD – 20000 ng L −1 (effluent) in Phoenix WWTP. Whilst abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine were almost completely removed from the effluents, atazanavir, efavirenz, lopinavir and nevirapine persisted in the effluents from all three WWTPs. To estimate the ecotoxicological risks associated with the discharge of ARVDs, a countrywide survey focussing on the occurrence of ARVDs in WWTPs, surface and fresh water bodies, and aquatic organisms, is necessary. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Thirteen HIV-ARV drugs were quantified in influents and effluents of three WWTPs. Matrix effects were minimised by use of labelled surrogate standards. HIV-ARVDs were prevalent in WWTPs in eThekwini, South Africa. WWTPs were effective for the removal of most, but not all, ARVDs. DEWATS showed promise for peri-urban areas not served by conventional sewer lines.