Environmental xenobiotics and its effects on natural ecosystem

Abstract

Environmental contamination by xenobiotics is a worldwide phenomenon as a result of human activities resulting from rise in urbanization and population growth. There are numerous sources of xenobiotics ranging from pharmaceuticals to agriculture. Recently, the demand for pharmaceuticals versus population growth has placed the public at risk. In addition, the making of unlawful drugs has led to the discharge of harmful carcinogens into the water system. The release of these harmful pollutants results in numerous short-and long-term effects to the natural ecosystem. This review takes a look at the sources of xenobiotics, their fate in the ecosystem and means of action with possible prevention methods.