This study provides a first overview of the occurrence and concentration of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in the aquatic environment of Kampala, Uganda. One hundred and forty-four water samples collected from drainage channels, wastewater treatment facilities, and drinking water sources were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem high resolution mass spectrometry. Suspect screening resulted in identification of at least 30 OMPs, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides. OMPs occurred most frequently and at highest concentrations in wastewater influent and effluent and in Kampala’s main drainageway, Nakivubo Channel. OMPs were detected in drinking water samples from protected and unprotected springs, suggesting potential contamination from wastewater and surface runoff. These findings demonstrate the viability of the suspect screening method and provide new insights on sub-Saharan surface- and drinking- water contamination by OMPs.

Suspect screening of organic micropollutants in the waterways of Kampala, Uganda using high resolution mass spectrometry

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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