Pharmaceutical pollution and sustainable development goals: Going the right way?

• Published in: Sustainable chemistry and pharmacy 2021-06, Vol.21, p.100428, Article 100428
• Main Authors: Souza, Helena de Oliveira, Costa, Rafaela dos Santos, Quadra, Gabrielle Rabelo, Fernandez, Marcos Antônio dos Santos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Disposal; Legislation; Medicines; Solutions
• ISSN: 2352-5541; 2352-5541
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scp.2021.100428

Water and wastewater treatment plants were not developed to remove pharmaceuticals from effluents. Consequently, pharmaceutical residues are being detected in many ecosystems worldwide. Pharmaceutical pollution is a diffuse issue that has the potential to unbalance ecosystems. It is a complex environmental problem that involves all sectors of society. In this article, we present: (1) an evaluation of the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) considering pharmaceutical pollution as a case study; (2) a narrative review regarding legislation of pharmaceutical disposal of several countries; and, finally, (3) reflections concerning alternatives for better management aiming to reduce pharmaceutical pollution. Regarding these three main aims, we found that: (1) pharmaceutical pollution is still a problem, so we are going against SDGs from this point of view (2) the lack of drug disposal regulation in some countries may have a global impact and harm many ecosystems worldwide; (3) the solutions indicated here would integrate the management and help to reduce drug pollution, consequently, moving towards SGDs. [Display omitted] •Disposal of medicines does not appear to be regularized in some countries.•Pharmaceuticals pollution is against the sustainable development goals (SDGs).•Survey of measures to achieve SDGs at a global level was made in this article.