Endocrine disruptors concentrations in drinking water samples from México and their health implications

Abstract Nonylphenol ethoxylate, used mainly in detergent production, is transformed under environmental conditions into the endocrine disruptor, Nonylphenol (NP). 4-Nonylphenol (4-NP) was identified in drinking water samples from a developing country without regulations (Mexico) to establish exposure and environmental concentrations. The extraction and quantification of 4-NP were performed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A derivatization process was carried out to increase sensitivity in the method. Eighty percent of the samples showed concentrations above the detection limit, and 57% of the samples presented concentrations above the Directive on the Quality of Water intended for human consumption (0.3 µg L-1). Our data gives an overview of the exposure levels and the environmental and health risks that these may represent. According to the results, continuous monitoring and regulations of this pollutant are highly recommended to prevent exposure and ecological and health effects.