Presence of antibiotics in children’s urine: a silent risk beyond drinking water

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Title: Presence of antibiotics in children’s urine: a silent risk beyond drinking water
Authors: Franz Zirena Vilca, Marisol Rojas Barreto, Ingrid Maldonado, Clara Nely Campos Quiróz, F. Hernández, A. M. Botero-Coy
Source: Scientific Reports, Vol 15, Iss 1, Pp 1-12 (2025)
Publisher Information: Nature Portfolio, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Medicine
LCC:Science
Subject Terms: Anthropometric indicators, Drinking water, Environmental pollution, Urine, Health risk, Child health, Medicine, Science
Description: Abstract This study investigated the presence of 32 antibiotic residues in drinking water, their potential association with antibiotic concentrations in children’s urine samples, and anthropometric indicators. Water samples were collected from the primary water sources supplying Ilo, Peru (Pacocha and Pampa), and urine samples were analysed from children aged 2 to 10 years using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole. Five antibiotics were detected in drinking water, with three of these representing a health risk due to high concentrations and risk quotients (RQ): Doxycycline (2.30), Sulfamethoxazole (1.04), and Metronidazole (25.68). Furthermore, there was no correlation between the antibiotics found in drinking water and those detected in urine samples, as the types and quantities of antibiotics differed. In urine samples, 21 antibiotics were detected in children from Pacocha and 19 from Pampa. The antibiotics and anthropometric variables did not show any significant correlation. Principal component analysis revealed that antibiotic profiles were highly similar across both areas, suggesting a shared source of contamination independent of drinking water. It is concerning that 100% of the children have at least three antibiotics in their urine, which could affect their health now and later in life.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2045-2322
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2045-2322
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-94705-8
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/80250ad7603f4c82b14aa692f40ffec7
Accession Number: edsdoj.80250ad7603f4c82b14aa692f40ffec7
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:Abstract This study investigated the presence of 32 antibiotic residues in drinking water, their potential association with antibiotic concentrations in children’s urine samples, and anthropometric indicators. Water samples were collected from the primary water sources supplying Ilo, Peru (Pacocha and Pampa), and urine samples were analysed from children aged 2 to 10 years using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole. Five antibiotics were detected in drinking water, with three of these representing a health risk due to high concentrations and risk quotients (RQ): Doxycycline (2.30), Sulfamethoxazole (1.04), and Metronidazole (25.68). Furthermore, there was no correlation between the antibiotics found in drinking water and those detected in urine samples, as the types and quantities of antibiotics differed. In urine samples, 21 antibiotics were detected in children from Pacocha and 19 from Pampa. The antibiotics and anthropometric variables did not show any significant correlation. Principal component analysis revealed that antibiotic profiles were highly similar across both areas, suggesting a shared source of contamination independent of drinking water. It is concerning that 100% of the children have at least three antibiotics in their urine, which could affect their health now and later in life.
ISSN:20452322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-94705-8