Occurrence and distribution of emerging micropollutants in the central part of the German Bight

Micropollutants (MPs) are transported via rivers from industrial and urban areas to the German Bight (G.B.). In contrast to the mounting rivers less information is available on the occurrence of MPs and their transformation products (TPs) in the marine environment of the G.B. In this study 83 compounds, including 26 metabolites of pharmaceuticals and environmental TPs were measured in water at 46 sampling sites in estuaries of Ems, Weser, Elbe, and the G.B. 36 MPs were even detected in the open sea areas (salinity > 34 psu) at 0.07–5.1 ng/L and to the best of our knowledge 10 MPs were detected in the marine environment for the first time. Concentrations of 8 MPs exceeded PNEC values suggesting a potential risk for sea life. Spatial distribution and relation of MPs with salinity allowed identifying emission paths for certain compounds and revealed the emissions from the River Elbe and Rhine. [Display omitted] •Analysis of 83 micropollutants in the German Bight and mounting rivers•Transportation of micropollutants by rivers•Detection of ten 10 micropollutants in the marine environment for the first time•Concentrations of 8 micropollutants exceeded PNEC values.•Identification of tracers for emissions from River Rhine and Elbe