Pharmaceuticals: a threat to drinking water?

Recently, considerable interest has developed regarding the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment, but there has been comparatively little study on the potential of these substances to enter potable supplies. This is surprising because drinking water would provide a direct route into the bo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in biotechnology (Regular ed.) 2005-04, Vol.23 (4), p.163-167
Main Authors: JONES, Oliver A, LESTER, John N, VOULVOULIS, Nick
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activated carbon
Biological and medical sciences
Biotechnology
Drinking water
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Environment and pollution
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects
Miscellaneous
Ozonation
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Pharmaceuticals
Ultraviolet radiation
Waste Disposal, Fluid - standards
Water Pollutants, Chemical - adverse effects
Water pollution
Water Supply - standards
Water treatment
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Summary:Recently, considerable interest has developed regarding the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment, but there has been comparatively little study on the potential of these substances to enter potable supplies. This is surprising because drinking water would provide a direct route into the body for any drugs that might be present. Although many countries employ advanced treatments, such as granular activated carbon, membrane technologies, ozonation and ultraviolet radiation, for treating water intended for human consumption, some compounds have been shown to be unaffected by such processes. Here, we examine the levels of drug substances reported in drinking water around the world. The possible implications of the presence of these compounds are highlighted and assessed, and recommendations are made for further research.
ISSN:0167-7799
1879-3096
DOI:10.1016/j.tibtech.2005.02.001