Liquid chromatography has uncovered 88 different pollutants present in Madrid's river network.
The analysis technique was just one of a number of advanced methods used by scientists, ranging from
liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to solid phase-extraction, to determine the nature of each of the 88 pollutants found in the water.
A total of nine priority pollutants - substances which are toxic and persistent - were found in concentrations of up to 652 ng per litre.
The remaining 79 pollutants were present in even greater quantities, measuring up to 9,942 ng per litre.
In addition, three of the substances found pose a specific threat to aquatic lifeforms that dwell in the polluted rivers, including ibuprofen.
The work was undertaken by IMDEA, the Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies, which aims to set the Spanish city as a hub for international research.
In order to achieve this goal, IMDEA focuses on cutting-edge scientific research and application of technology to develop new ideas through collaboration with the private sector.
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