Uptake of pharmaceuticals by plants grown under hydroponic conditions and natural occurring plant species: A review

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2018-09, Vol.636, p.477-486
• Main Authors: Madikizela, Lawrence Mzukisi, Ncube, Somandla, Chimuka, Luke
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological Transport; Crops, Agricultural - metabolism; Hydroponics; Pharmaceutical Preparations - metabolism; Pharmaceuticals; Plant Roots; Plant uptake; Toxicity; Translocation; Vegetables; Water Pollutants, Chemical - metabolism
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.297

Sizeable amount of research has been conducted on the possible uptake of pharmaceuticals by plants from contaminated soil and water used for irrigation of crops. In most cases, pharmaceuticals are taken by roots and translocated into various tissues by transpiration and diffusion. Due to the plant uptake, the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in food sources such as vegetables is a public concern. Few review papers focusing on the uptake of pharmaceuticals, in particular antibiotics, and their translocation in plant tissues have been published. In the current review paper, the work conducted on the uptake of pharmaceuticals belonging to different therapeutic groups such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, β-blockers and antiepileptics is reviewed. Such work includes the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in plants, translocation once taken by plants, toxicity studies as well as implications and future studies. Furthermore, the advantages and drawbacks associated with the detection and uptake of these pharmaceuticals by plants are discussed. In addition, the physico-chemical properties that could influence the plant uptake of pharmaceuticals are deliberated. [Display omitted] •We evaluated the plant uptake of pharmaceuticals from water and soil.•The negative effects of plant uptake of pharmaceuticals are discussed.•Most studies use concentrations higher than those expected in the environment.•Plant uptake studies focused more on antibiotics than other pharmaceutical classes.•Pharmaceutical uptake is through plant roots and translocated into aerial tissues.