Dataset of emerging contaminants in surface water, bottom water, porewater, and sediment: Urban and aquaculture impacts in the central and southern coast of Chile

Abstract

Synthetic organic chemicals, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial compounds, pose a growing threat to marine ecosystems as they enter through a variety of pathways, including direct discharges of wastewater (untreated or treated) from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. Additionally, runoff from residential and agricultural land, as well as inland waterways, transport these chemicals to coastal zones. Despite their potential impact, data on the co-occurrence of these contaminants in the marine environment remains limited. Such information is critical for assessing coastal chemical status, establishing environmental quality benchmarks, and conducting comprehensive environmental risk assessments. In this study, we describe a multifaceted monitoring campaign targeting pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals along the central-south coast and in northern Patagonia, Chile. Surface water, bottom water, porewater, and adjacent sediment samples were collected for analysis. Our results show the detection of up to 83 chemicals in surface water, 71 in bottom water, 101 in porewater, and 244 in sediments. To enhance data utility, we provide valuable information on the mode of action and molecular targets of the identified chemicals. This comprehensive dataset contributes to defining pollution fingerprints in coastal areas of the Global South, including remote regions in Patagonia. It serves as a critical resource for future research, policymaking, and the advancement of environmental protection in these regions.