Title: Comprehensive characterization of anthropogenic impacts on Mediterranean intermittent streams using cheminformatics and environmental risk assessment approaches
The predoctoral researcher Olga Gómez Navarro, from the ONHEALTH group, will defend her thesis on 25th July at 10:00h in Aula Eduard Fontseré (Faculty of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona)
Directors: Sandra Pérez and Nicola Montemurro
Thesis Committee: Juan Vicente Sancho, Carlos Gonçalves and Barend Van Drooge
Abstract:
Intermittent streams, characterized by variable and discontinuous flow regimes, are becoming increasingly common in the Mediterranean region due to climate change, land use changes, and population growth, which further decrease water availability. As a result, their natural dilution capacity is limited, making them highly vulnerable to both anthropogenic pressures and climate-driven hydrological variability. This thesis developed and applied robust analytical techniques for the detection, quantification, and characterization of contaminants of emerging concern and transformation products, and assessed their potential environmental risks in Mediterranean intermittent freshwater systems. Through an integrated approach combining chemical, hydrological, and ecological indicators, this thesis highlighted the impact of wastewater discharges on aquatic ecosystems and the need for region-specific monitoring frameworks. The importance of considering hydrological variability, particularly in low flow situations, where the natural dilution capacity of streams is limited, was also emphasized, especially as water scarcity increases. Suspect and non-target screening approaches, supported by open-source tools, expanded the target analysis and revealed a broader understanding of the contaminant profiles in intermittent streams.
