RESIDUAL DRUGS IN WATER BODIES

Abstract

In recent years, there has been significant interest in the removal of emerging contaminants from water. These contaminants include chemical and biological agents such as microplastics, nanoparticles, pesticides, industrial chemicals, hormones, and residual pharmaceuticals. These contaminants are typically not monitored, and their permissible concentration limits are not regulated by government laws. Recent research has demonstrated the presence of high concentrations of residual pharmaceuticals, such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, triclosan, and metformin, in various bodies of water around the world. This triggers an ecological risk that threatens human and animal health. Therefore, it is essential to investigate more efficient and environmentally friendly strategies regarding water treatment, employing biodegradable materials such as chitosan and its derivatives. These materials have demonstrated high drug removal efficiencies through technologically simple and economical mechanisms such as flocculation and adsorption.