Book Section #18146

Abstract

Although the unique global increase of pharmaceuticals is referred to one of the greatest benefits of health in society, it has also been paralleled by discharge of these compounds in natural environment and ecosystem. Knowledge concerning the fate, occurrence, and adverse effects of remained pharmaceutical in the aquatic environments is very low. Wastewater treatment plants have been identified as a major way for discharge of pharmaceuticals in aquatic bodies (ranging from ng/L to µg/L). Pharmaceuticals classes include nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, psychiatric, cardiovascular, hypocholesterolemic drugs, steroid hormones, and antibiotics. Currently due to their continuous discharge into the aquatic media and possible adverse health effects on human, flora, biota, and aquatic ecosystems, pharmaceuticals as emerging trace pollutants have obtained growing attention. First during the Catchment Quality Control in USA, it was found that pharmaceutical compounds can enter the water bodies. Although, for safety and efficacy aspects, strict regulations and controls are derived by pharmaceutical companies and institutions such as Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency (EMA), there are many environmental challenges to face now and in the future. Despite a great scientific advancement has been achieved, our knowledge is still limited on pharmaceuticals behavior as emerging micropollutants in aquatic environments. This review will be helpful to reveal the environmental exposure to these compounds in the aquatic environments. © 2020 Elsevier Inc.