Pharmaceutical Drugs in Aquatic Environment and their Toxic Effect on <i>Pangasius sp.</i> : An Overview

Abstract

One of the fastest-growing freshwater fish varieties is the Pangasius sp., which has a great capability for production and export growth. When Pangasius sp. is exposed to substances such as diclofenac, phenol, quinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracycline, even at low environmental exposure levels the fish tissue can develop chronic risk, genetic abnormalities, and histopathological changes. They come into contact with these antibiotics mostly through the discharge of pharmaceutical industry effluents, which contain antibiotic residues that are not been completely eliminated by wastewater treatment, thereby posing environmental concerns when released into aquatic ecosystems. The main objective of this review paper is to study the effect of the concentration of pharmaceutical drugs, farming techniques, and various substitutes for antibiotics that can be utilized to enhance the growth performance of Pangasius sp. Few studies conducted on toxicity demonstrated that increased mucus production in the gills and intestines, histological abnormalities in the liver and skin, and impaired immunoglobulin production have all been linked to sublethal phenol concentrations in fish. The consumption of these contaminated Pangasius sp. can raise various human health concerns. Therefore, exposure of Pangasius sp. to the detrimental pharmaceutical drug from industrial effluent must be held serious concern. Further research is required to conserve human health and the ecosystem.