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

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.