How Pharmaceuticals Are Polluting Our Waters?
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Pharmaceuticals in the environment are a growing concern worldwide. These substances, originating from human and veterinary medicine, have been found in water bodies across the globe. Although they are often present in minuscule amounts, their potential impact on ecosystems and human health is significant.Â
A recent study led by Prof. Cristina Delerue-Matos at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto unveils the alarming presence and accumulation of these contaminants in our environment.Â
This study, published in the Journal of Xenobiotics, focuses on detecting and analyzing pharmaceuticals in surface water and wastewater in Portugal.
Pharmaceuticals in the environment are a growing concern worldwide. These substances, originating from human and veterinary medicine, have been found in water bodies across the globe.Â
Although they are often present in minuscule amounts, their potential impact on ecosystems and human health is significant. This study, published in the Journal of Xenobiotics, focuses on detecting and analyzing pharmaceuticals in surface water and wastewater in Portugal.
The research team collected samples from the Lis River and two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) over several years.Â
They used advanced techniques like ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to identify and quantify various pharmaceuticals. Among the detected substances were common drugs like ibuprofen, caffeine, and diclofenac, as well as antibiotics and psychiatric medications.
One of the key findings of the study is the increasing concentration of pharmaceuticals over time. The team observed that the levels of these contaminants in the river and wastewater samples have risen steadily.Â
This trend highlights the inadequacy of current wastewater treatment processes in completely removing these substances. Notably, the study found that certain drugs, such as hydroxyibuprofen and caffeine, were consistently present at significant levels.
Wastewater treatment plants, though essential for purifying our water, have emerged as major pathways for pharmaceuticals to enter the environment. The study revealed that even after treatment, significant amounts of these contaminants are released into the river.
Factors such as the season, the frequency of drug usage, and the effectiveness of the treatment process influence the concentration of pharmaceuticals in the water.
The presence of pharmaceuticals in water bodies poses potential risks to aquatic life and human health. These substances can disrupt the normal functioning of ecosystems, affecting fish and other wildlife.
For humans, long-term exposure to low levels of pharmaceuticals through drinking water is a concern that requires further investigation.
This study underscores the urgent need for improved wastewater treatment technologies that can effectively remove pharmaceuticals.
It also highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and regulation of these contaminants. By raising public awareness and implementing stricter controls, we can mitigate the impact of pharmaceuticals on our environment and safeguard our health.
