The increased use of cosmetic products, in particular UV filter compounds, results with
their introduction in
significant amounts in
to
aquatic ecosystems. Thus, the study and
understanding of these
substances
in the environment is of major importance because
of their potential to
bioaccumulate and consequent toxicity,
which
may have a
negative impact on the receiving environment, especially for biota, or even humans.
Moreover, the contamination of these compounds is further aggravated in urban
ecosystems, as fallout of
population pressure and
human activities.
This master project seeks to analyze the impact of these substances in urban
environments by having the city of Barcelona and its surroundings as a case study. To
accomplish this, first an extensive literature review on characteristics, environmental
and toxicity levels
of UV filter compounds was performed. Secondly, water samples
from rivers and WWTPs from the urban surroundings of Barcelona were analyzed so as
to check the levels of mentioned substances, as well as to calculate the removal
efficiency of the treatment stations and the potential risk
posed
by levels audited
