Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in freshwaters in Dunedin,New Zealand

Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in New Zealand freshwaters are not well documented for regulatory assessments. We collected water and sediment samples for measurement of 26 EOC compound concentrations at four waterways within the city of Dunedin (Otago province). Compounds measured ranged from stimulants and depressants to pain-killers and insect repellants. Sampling was conducted before and after the student ‘Orientation Week’ at the University of Otago. Most compounds were below detection limits in all samples. However, caffeine, carbamazepine, cotinine and DEET were all measured at concentrations above detection limits. In general, concentrations of EOC compounds were ～20% higher following the influx of students to the University though student effects varied by site and additional sampling is needed to better assess temporal variation in concentrations. These data indicate that some EOCs are present in New Zealand freshwater ecosystems.