Potential Ecological and Human Health Risks Associated With the Presence of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds in the Aquatic Environment

• Published in: Critical reviews in toxicology 2004-07, Vol.34 (4), p.335-350
• Main Authors: Jones, O. A. H., Voulvoulis, N., Lester, J. N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents - analysis; Anti-Bacterial Agents - toxicity; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Drug toxicity and drugs side effects treatment; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Europe; Fresh water environment; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous (drug allergy, mutagens, teratogens...); Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Risk Assessment; United States; Veterinary Drugs - analysis; Veterinary Drugs - toxicity; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity
• ISSN: 1040-8444; 1547-6898
• DOI: 10.1080/10408440490464697

ABSTRACT Recently, considerable interest has developed regarding the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment, but as yet the potential ecological effects associated with the presence of these compounds have been largely ignored. In this review, laboratory-based acute and chronic toxicity data, as well as studies concerned with the effects of pharmaceuticals on a variety of different organisms, are examined, along with the reported environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals in aquatic systems. The possible sources and pathways of these compounds to the environment and the effects of a variety of medicines on a range of organisms are also highlighted, and recommendations are made for further research.