Nicotine Derivatives in Wastewater and Surface Waters: application as Chemical Markers for Domestic Wastewater

Introduction:
This text is a scientific study on the presence and behavior of nicotine derivatives, specifically cotinine, 3'-hydroxycotinine, and N-formylnornicotine, in wastewater and surface waters. The study aims to determine the potential of these compounds as markers for domestic wastewater contamination in surface waters. The text also discusses the ecotoxicological risks associated with the environmental concentrations of these compounds.

Key Points:

* The study measured the concentrations of cotinine, 3'-hydroxycotinine, and N-formylnornicotine in wastewater and surface waters using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
* The biodegradability of the compounds was investigated using activated sludge incubation experiments and analyzing 24-hour flow-proportional composite samples of untreated and treated wastewater.
* Cotinine and 3'-hydroxycotinine were found to be largely eliminated during wastewater treatment, while N-formylnornicotine showed no dissipation within 24 hours of incubation.
* The compounds were detected in all Swiss Midland lakes investigated, with the highest values found in a lake with a densely populated catchment area.
* The concentrations of the compounds in lakes correlated with the ratio of population per water throughflow, indicating their potential as anthropogenic markers for domestic wastewater contamination in surface waters.
* The per-capita export loads in lakes were similar to those in untreated and treated wastewater, indicating a high persistence of N-formylnornicotine in surface waters.
* The ecotoxicological risks associated with the environmental concentrations of these compounds are not well understood, with limited data available on their effects on aquatic organisms.

Main Message:
The study found that nicotine derivatives, particularly cotinine, 3'-hydroxycotinine, and N-formylnornicotine, are present in wastewater and surface waters and can be used as markers for domestic wastewater contamination in surface waters. however, the ecotoxicological risks associated with their environmental concentrations are not well understood, highlighting the need for further research in this area. The study also highlights the importance of proper wastewater treatment to minimize the release of these compounds into the environment.

Buerge, Ignaz J., Maren Kahle, hans-Rudolf Buser, Markus D. Müller, and Thomas Poiger. “Nicotine Derivatives in Wastewater and Surface Waters: application as Chemical Markers for Domestic Wastewater.” Environmental Science & Technology 42, no. 17 (September 1, 2008): 6354–60. https://doi.org/10.1021/es800455q.