Risk Assessment of Pharmaceutical Contaminants in Pharmaceutical Wastewater

Abstract

The disposal of pharmaceutical wastewater has gained increasing attention due to its potential adverse effects on the environment and public health. This study aims to assess the concentration of pharmaceutical contaminants and their toxicity to aquatic organisms. A qualitative research approach was used. Composite samples were collected from the effluent storage system. Various analytical techniques, including high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were employed to detect and quantify pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater samples. The results revealed various pharmaceutical compounds (ibuprofen 28 μg/L, diclofenac 27.20 μg/L, paracetamol 22.03 μg/L, and tramadol <0.01 μg/L) in the wastewater. The maximal environmental concentration (MEC) for all the detected pharmaceuticals was high; hence, the risk quotients (RQs) indicated potential toxicity (RO > 1). It further indicates that the effluent was more toxic to animals (daphnia and fish) than algae (plants). It can be concluded that pharmaceutical effluent was toxic to aquatic organisms. Therefore, there is a need to implement stringent regulatory measures to mitigate untreated pharmaceutical effluent in water bodies. Addressing pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater is crucial to safeguarding the environment and public health in an increasing pharmaceutical use and production era.