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

• Published in: Critical reviews in toxicology Vol. 34; no. 4; pp. 335 - 350
• Main Authors: Jones, O. A. H., Voulvoulis, N., Lester, J. N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Informa UK Ltd 01-07-2004; Taylor & Francis; Informa Healthcare; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• 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; United States; Europe; Human; Freshwater environment; Drug; Aquatic environment; Pollutant; Ecotoxicology; Pollutant behavior; Toxicity; Wild animal; Review; Public health
• 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.