Occurrence of heavy metals and pharmaceutical personal care products in Rhamdia wagneri from the Cauca River, Colombia

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Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) and heavy metals are recognised as emerging contaminants due to their persistence, potential for bioaccumulation, and associated ecological risks. This study evaluated their occurrence in water, sediment, and Rhamdia wagneri from the Cauca River (La Virginia, Colombia), a tropical river system under strong anthropogenic pressure. Seven PPCPs were detected in fish, five in water, and four in sediment. Ibuprofen reached the highest concentration in water (386.6 µg L−¹), while galaxolide (2900 µg kg−¹) and bisphenol A (800 µg kg−¹) were predominant in fish tissues, indicating potential bioaccumulation in edible species. Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences among matrices, with fish being the most affected compartment. Heavy metals displayed a contrasting pattern: arsenic was detected in water (2.94 mg L−¹), zinc and copper in sediment (10.69 and 4.89 mg kg−¹, respectively), and all metals were below detection limits in fish, suggesting limited bioavailability. These findings contribute baseline information on emerging contaminants in Colombian rivers and underscore the need for continuous monitoring, improved wastewater treatment, and the incorporation of PPCPs into water-quality management and regulation frameworks.HighlightsThis work provides foundational baseline data on PPCPs and heavy metals in the Cauca River, one of Colombia’s most important tributaries.Rhamdia wagneri exhibited the highest PPCP burdens, indicating their potential for bioaccumulation and raising concerns regarding human exposure through fish consumption.Findings underscore the need for strengthened wastewater treatment, regulation of PPCPs, and long-term monitoring programmes to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health in Colombia.