Measuring biomarkers in wastewater as a new source of epidemiological information: Current state and future perspectives

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Gracia Lor, E (Author) Other; Castiglioni, S (Author) Other; Bade, R (Author) Other; Been, F (Author) Other; Castrignano, E (Author) Other; Covaci, A (Author) Other; Gonzalez Marino, I (Author) Other; Hapeshi, E (Author) Other; Kasprzyk Hordern, B (Author) Other; Kinyua, J (Author) Other; Lai, FY (Author) Other; Letzel, T (Author) Other; Lopardo, L (Author) Other; Meyer, MR (Author) Other; O'Brien, J (Author) Other; Ramin, P (Author) Other; Rousis, NI (Author) Other; Rydevik, A (Author) Other; Ryu, Y (Author) Other; Santos, MM (Author) FCUP; Senta, I (Author) Other; Thomaidis, NS (Author) Other; Veloutsou, S (Author) Other; Yang, ZG (Author) Other; Zuccato, E (Author) Other; Bijlsma, L (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Environment International

Vol. 99

Pages: 131-150

ISSN: 0160-4120

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 178 Citations

Scopus - 191 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-HCA

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.12.016

Abstract (EN): The information obtained from the chemical analysis of specific human excretion products (biomarkers) in urban wastewater can be used to estimate the exposure or consumption of the population under investigation to a defined substance. A proper biomarker can provide relevant information about lifestyle habits, health and wellbeing, but its selection is not an easy task as it should fulfil several specific requirements in order to be successfully employed. This paper aims to summarize the current knowledge related to the most relevant biomarkers used so far. In addition, some potential wastewater biomarkers that could be used for future applications were evaluated. For this purpose, representative chemical classes have been chosen and grouped in four main categories: (i) those that provide estimates of lifestyle factors and substance use, (ii) those used to estimate the exposure to toxicants present in the environment and food, (iii) those that have the potential to provide information about public health and illness and (iv) those used to estimate the population size. To facilitate the evaluation of the eligibility of a compound as a biomarker, information, when available, on stability in urine and wastewater and pharmacokinetic data (i.e. metabolism and urinary excretion profile) has been reviewed. Finally, several needs and recommendations for future research are proposed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20