Pharmaceutical wastewater toxicity: An ignored threat to the public health

Abstract

Pharmaceutical waste disposal is a significant problem for the global healthcare system. It poses a threat to water safety, which is already a challenge as 1 out of 3 people still lack access to safe drinking water. We conducted a thorough literature review of relevant articles published between 2000 and 2023. Our review scrutinized 107 studies, each of which applied pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure high-quality research. The focus of our interest was on the health risks posed by pharmaceutical compounds in waste. We also evaluated recycling methods and proposed practical measures for proper education and the implementation of strict legislation to address this issue. Pharmaceutical compounds have been found in water resources worldwide. These compounds can have negative effects on multiple organs and it’s important to remove them from water resources. However, water quality varies globally due to limitations in accessibility and budget for water purification and recycling efforts. Comprehensive studies are needed to identify drinking water’s most common pharmaceutical residues and develop effective removal strategies. Proper disposal of pharmaceuticals is crucial to protect water resources and ensure clean drinking water. This requires raising awareness, educating the public population, implementing strict regulations, and collaborating among stakeholders.