Publication Abstract

In order to properly manage contaminant issues in water resources it is important to understand what types of biological effects might be manifested in exposed species and what contaminants might be responsible. In order to do this EDA studies have been conducted in three river basins, the Schelde, Elbe and Llobregat. Each of these basins were sampled at several sites, using a comprehensive range of bioassays corresponding to a broad range of toxicological endpoints. Following toxicity profiling and selection of sites for further study, methods were employed in order to identify causative agents. Sample extracts from these sites were fractionated using HPLC. C18 and HILIC stationary phases were used in order to separate compounds of interest and the fractions were then retested using relevant assays. Fractions demonstrating positive results were chemically analysed using both GC-MS and LC-MS. Tentatively identified compounds were confirmed by toxicological and chemical analysis of standards. Methodology employed to separate and analyse compounds will be discussed in some detail, along with results including assay responses, compounds identified and their implications for the basins studied.