Spatial distribution of nicotine concentrations in Berlin’s surface waters and their potential sources

Abstract Nicotine is a ubiquitous emergent pollutant that mostly enters the environment through inappropriate disposal of cigarette butts. In a seven-week monitoring program, we took 56 water samples from 14 lakes, 9 ponds, 9 rivers, 8 canals, and 2 canalized brooks in Berlin. Nicotine was detected in all investigated surface waters. Observed concentrations ranged between 7 ng/l and 1,469 ng/l (mean: 73 ng/l, median: 28 ng/l). Rainy weather conditions generally led to an increase in nicotine concentrations, which was strongest in canals with a factor of 16. For water bodies receiving sewers discharges mean nicotine concentrations further increased with population density, while concentrations in surface waters without sewer connections were modulated by the presence of public transport stops or recreational areas. Our sampling revealed a high spatial temporal variability of nicotine concentrations in urban surface waters. We recommend a temporary systematic daily or event-based monitoring of nicotine concentrations to support our findings and to better understand and quantify emission sources and concentration decay phases. This could help to improve our still incomplete knowledge about ecological impacts, arising from long-term below-lethal nicotine concentrations in urban surface waters.