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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Abstract
The presence of pharmacological compounds in drinking water has been a cause for concern in recent years and are believed to have serious impacts on human and environmental health. Current research has shown that they can pose an ecotoxicological risk due to their potential long-term negative effects on living organisms, even though they exist in relatively low concentrations in drinking water (ng L− 1). This article is a review of the most important available literature on pharmaceutical residues in water cycle, focusing mostly on drinking water. The authors start by approaching the occurrence and fate of pharmacological compounds in drinking waters, with a particular emphasis on the pharmacological classes which are more frequently detected. Then, existing processes to remove these xenobiotics from drinking waters and analytical detection methods are also explored, followed by an analysis of the ecotoxicity and potential risks for human health of exposure to trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Finally, after examining existing legislation regarding pharmaceuticals in drinking water, namely the European Union regulatory frameworks, the authors discuss future perspectives in research, social, and legislative measures on this matter are discussed in light of the currently identified gaps in both scientific knowledge and legislation.
Description
Keywords
Pharmaceuticals Drinking Water Ecotoxicology Analytical Detection Methods Legislation and Regulatory Frameworks
Citation
Teixeira-Lemos, E.; Teixeira-Lemos, L.P.; Oliveira, J.; & Pais do Amaral, J. (2019). Pharmaceuticals in the Environment: Focus on Drinking-Water. In P. Worsfold, C. Poole; A. Townshend; & M. Miró, M. (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Analytical Science (pp. 325-335). 3rd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-409547-2.13941-1
Publisher
Elsevier