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Compounds of emerging concern in the San Antonio River Basin, Texas, 2011–12

Fact Sheet 2016-3071
Prepared in cooperation with the San Antonio River Authority
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20163071

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Abstract

The City of San Antonio and the surrounding municipalities in Bexar County, Texas, are among the fastest growing cities in the Nation. Increases in residential and commercial development are changing runoff patterns and likely will increase chemical loads into streams. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the San Antonio River Authority, evaluated the concentrations and distributional patterns of selected “compounds of emerging concern” (CECs) by collecting and analyzing water-quality samples from 20 sites in the San Antonio River Basin, Tex., during 2011–12. On the basis of their chemical composition or similar uses, the CECs discussed in this fact sheet are wastewater compounds, pharmaceutical compounds (hereinafter referred to as “pharmaceuticals”), and steroidal hormone and sterol compounds (hereinafter referred to as “steroidal hormones and sterols”). Three synoptic sampling events were completed during 2011–12 to analyze for CECs in the San Antonio River Basin. Samples were analyzed for 54 wastewater compounds, 13 pharmaceuticals, 17 steroidal hormones, and 4 sterols. Overall, the concentrations of all CECs analyzed for during this study were low, generally close to or less than the laboratory reporting level.


Suggested Citation

Lambert, R.B., and Opsahl, S.P., 2016, Compounds of emerging concern in the San Antonio River Basin, Texas, 2011–12: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2016–3071, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20163071.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • What Is a Compound of Emerging Concern (CEC)?
  • Detections and Concentrations of CECs
  • Distribution of CECs in the San Antonio River Basin
  • References Cited


Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Compounds of emerging concern in the San Antonio River Basin, Texas, 2011–12
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2016-3071
DOI 10.3133/fs20163071
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Texas Water Science Center
Description 6 p.
Country United States
State Texas
Other Geospatial San Antonio River Basin
Online Only (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details