Pharmaceutical Residues Research Articles

Environmental risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in wastewaters and reclaimed water from catalan main river basins

Aquatic pollution from pharmaceuticals is a growing environmental concern globally, particularly in Catalonia's primary water bodies, the Llobregat and Besòs rivers. This study investigates pharmaceutical residues in reclaimed water effluents from the Llobregat River and a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the Besòs River, critical contributors to the region's water resources. Employing LC-MS/MS, 85 pharmaceutical residues were monitored, revealing elevated concentrations of tramadol, losartan, and gemfibrozil, commonly prescribed drugs in Catalonia. Surprisingly, downstream concentrations exceeded upstream levels significantly, indicating the adverse impact of reclaimed water on water quality. Furthermore, evaluation of WWTP efficiency displayed varying removal rates, from 10 % to 99.8 %, highlighting treatment inadequacies for certain compounds. Predictive environmental concentrations (PECs) aligned closely with measured values, affirming the utility of predictive models in early-stage research. Risk assessment via the risk quotient (RQ) method identified atorvastatin and chlorpromazine as surpassing toxicity thresholds.This study underscores the urgent need to address pharmaceutical contamination in urban rivers and reclaimed waters in Catalonia. By highlighting treatment inefficacies and potential ecological risks, it contributes to the development of sustainable water management strategies and environmental conservation efforts in the region. Efforts should focus on continuously monitoring specific compounds, evaluating their individual toxicity, and implementing appropriate remediation techniques in WWTPs to safeguard water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Well-synthesized carbon dots from flower of Cassia fistula and its hydrothermally grown heterojunction photocatalyst with zinc oxide (CDs@ZnO-H400) for photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin and paracetamol

Pharmaceutical residues in aquatic environments have the potential to induce bacterial resistance, subsequently complicating disease treatment and posing a substantial hazard to public health. This study demonstrates the production of carbon dots from Cassia fistula flowers using a hydrothermal process. The obtained carbon dots were then mixed with zinc oxide to create CDs@ZnO-H400. This heterojunction photocatalyst exhibited notable enhancement in photocatalytic performance due to improved charge separation efficiency at the interface. The CDs@ZnO-H400 catalyst effectively removed two medications, ciprofloxacin and paracetamol. Ciprofloxacin showed maximum photocatalytic efficiency, with 99.8 % degradation, while paracetamol exhibited a degradation efficiency of 75.1 %. The stability of the synthesized photocatalyst was evaluated across four usage cycles using EDX-SEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques. The CDs@ZnO-H400 heterostructure photocatalyst maintained strong photoactivity even after the fourth cycle of usage.

Construction of g-C3N4/BiOCl hybrids via hydrothermal synthesis for efficient photocatalytic degradation of Tetracycline, Rhodamine B, and Nitenpyram

A photocatalysis system is widely regarded as the most renewable approach to environmental treatment since sunlight is a long-term source of energy for the planet. This study assessed the efficacy of a photocatalyst graphitic carbon nitride/bismuth oxychloride (g-C3N4/BiOCl) by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photo-luminance, photocurrent density, and X-ray diffraction to characterize the photocatalyst. The results showed an improvement in morphology and enhanced photodegradation of pharmaceutical residues such as Nitenpyram, Tetracycline, and Rhodamine B. For a wavelength range of 655 to 420 nm, the synthesized photocatalysts were good at the absorption of visible light. A photodegradation proficiency of 64.72% was observed with tetracycline, 48.91% nitenpyram, and 98.70% with Rhodamine B in 30 min. The g-C3N4/BiOCl displayed a significant photocatalytic activity due to high load separation and transition. This study shows that g-C3N4/BiOCl photocatalyst has been confirmed as one of the most intriguing contenders for innovative photocatalyst designs and can potentially be used in treating wastewater and the environment at large.

Development of a Novel Cyclodextrin-Chitosan Polymer for an Efficient Removal of Pharmaceutical Contaminants in Aqueous Solution.

A novel polymer synthesized by grafting three cyclodextrins onto chitosan was characterized and evaluated for its potential to adsorb two pharmaceutical residues: ibuprofen and progesterone. The influence of various operational parameters, including contact time, initial molecule concentration, pH, ionic strength, and temperature, was investigated. The synthesized polymer exhibits an amorphous and porous structure with a remarkable swelling capacity of 9.5 mmol/g. It demonstrates remarkable adsorption capacities for progesterone and ibuprofen, reaching 90% and 75%, respectively. Kinetic studies reveal that the adsorption of both molecules follows a pseudo-second-order model. A DSC analysis elucidated the adsorption mechanism, which is governed by the formation of inclusion complexes and electrostatic interactions within the polymer network. The polymer's regeneration after 23 cycles demonstrates its sustainable adsorption efficiency. The combination of chitosan with three cyclodextrins opens up promising new avenues for water treatment and the removal of specific pollutants. This approach significantly improves the material's selectivity towards target pollutants, offering a significant advantage in pollution remediation applications.

Many human pharmaceuticals are weak inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 system in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver S9 fractions.

Pharmaceutical residues are widely detected in aquatic environment and can be taken up by nontarget species such as fish. The cytochromes P450 (CYP) represent an important detoxification mechanism in fish, like in humans. In the present study, we assessed the correlation of the substrate selectivities of rainbow trout CYP1A and CYP3A homologues with those of human, through determination of the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of a total sixteen human pharmaceuticals toward CYP1A-like ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and CYP3A-like 7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin O-debenzylase (BFCOD) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver S9 fractions (RT-S9). The inhibitory impacts (IC50) of atomoxetine, atorvastatin, azelastine, bimatoprost, clomethiazole, clozapine, desloratadine, disulfiram, esomeprazole, felbinac, flecainide, orphenadrine, prazosin, quetiapine, sulpiride, and zolmitriptan toward the EROD and BFCOD activities in RT-S9 were determined using the IC50 shift assay, capable of identifying time-dependent inhibitors (TDI). Additionally, the nonspecific binding of the test pharmaceuticals to RT-S9 was assessed using equilibrium dialysis. Most test pharmaceuticals were moderate to weak inhibitors of both EROD and BFCOD activity in RT-S9, even if most are noninhibitors of human CYP1A or CYP3A. Only bimatoprost, clomethiazole, felbinac, sulpiride, and zolmitriptan did not inhibit either activity in RT-S9. EROD inhibition was generally stronger than that of BFCOD and some substances (atomoxetine, flecainide, and prazosin) inhibited selectively only EROD activity. The strongest EROD inhibition was detected with azelastine and esomeprazole (unbound IC50 of 3.8 ± 0.5µM and 3.0 ± 0.8µM, respectively). None of the test substances were TDIs of BFCOD, but esomeprazole was a TDI of EROD. Apart from clomethiazole and disulfiram, the nonspecific binding of the test pharmaceuticals to the RT-S9 was extensive (unbound fractions <0.5) and correlated well (R 2 = 0.7135) with their water-octanol distribution coefficients. The results indicate that the P450 interactions in RT-S9 cannot be explicitly predicted based on human data, but the in vitro data reported herein can shed light on the substrate selectivity of rainbow trout CYP1A1 and CYP3A27 in comparison to their human homologues. The IC50 concentrations are however many orders of magnitude higher than average environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals. The time-dependent EROD inhibition by esomeprazole could warrant further research to evaluate its possible interlinkages with hepatotoxic impacts on fish.

Removal of indomethacin from water using covalent organic polymers

Abstract In recent years, the massive use of pharmaceuticals has led to the detection of a large number of relevant residues in water. As emerging contaminants, pharmaceuticals residues in the environment pose a major threat to human health and ecosystems. Covalent organic polymers (COPs) possess high stability, uniform pore size, and easy functionalization, which have attracted great attention in water treatment. In this study, a novel covalent organic polymer was successfully studied by a simple synthesis method, combining p-phenylenediamine (Pd) and isophthalaldehyde (Is) via a Schiff-base (referred to PdIs-COP), which was used as an absorbent for the removal of indomethacin from aqueous solutions. The composite was characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The effect of changes in the pH values and the adsorption time on the adsorption capacity was also investigated. The results of this study indicated that the absorbent had a high adsorption capacity for indomethacin. The adsorption capacity of PdIs-COP for indomethacin is 92.86 mg g−1 at pH of five and a contact time of 2 min. This shows that PdIs-COP is a novel material with good affinity for pharmaceuticals.

The power of MXene-based materials for emerging contaminant removal from water - A review

The rise of MXenes in water purification and environmental remediation is a remarkable leap forward in tackling various emerging pollutants. With their unique 2D designs and flexible surface characteristics, MXenes have shown excellent efficiency in eliminating various emerging contaminants such as metals, pharmaceutical residues, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, and emerging pathogens. Their high conductivity and multifunctionality provide them an increased surface area, promoting robust physical and electrostatic interactions that enhance the adsorption of contaminants. Furthermore, the versatile utility of MXenes in a range of water treatment systems highlights their promising role in advancing methods for purification. This review addresses MXene-based materials' effectiveness in removing emerging contaminants via several innovative techniques including adsorption, membrane separation, disinfection, and photocatalysis. Additionally, it discusses the techno-economic and MXene feasibility in emerging contaminants removal at the industrial scale. This review aims to shed light on the great potential of MXenes and their composites as disruptive agents in emerging contaminants removal and offer guidance for future research endeavors leveraging their capabilities in addressing emerging challenges related to water pollutants.

Environmental fate of phenobarbital in water: Homogeneous and non-homogeneous environment

In aqueous environments, phenobarbital (PB) undergoes degradation mediated by hydroxyl radicals (HO·) and sulfate radicals (SO4·−). In this study, a theoretical approach was used to investigate the oxidation of phenobarbital triggered by HO·/SO4·− in different dissociated forms of PB at different pH values, as well as the adsorption mechanism of phenobarbital on the silica surface and the non-homogeneous reaction with HO·. Our study confirms three primary reaction models for PB degradation: radical addition, hydrogen abstraction, and single electron transfer reactions. Thermodynamic and kinetic calculations show that the reaction of PB with HO· is the main degradation pathway compared to the reaction of SO4−. At the C5 and C6 positions, HO·-addition and H-abstraction from H6 and H7 are competitive mechanisms. However, in non-homogeneous environments, HO·-addition at C5 becomes the dominant pathway. Our work identifies the primary products of these degradation reactions. At a temperature of 298 K, the total rate constants for the degradation reactions of HO· with PB neutral molecules and anions were determined to be 2.06 M−1 s−1 and 4.11 × 107 M−1 s−1, respectively. In a non-homogeneous reaction with HO·, the total rate constant is 4.47 × 1010 M−1 s−1. Despite degradation, the majority of these products retain their potential to impact aquatic organisms. In particular, compounds such as 5-ethyl-5-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, 5-(1-hydroxyethyl)-5-phenylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, and 5-acetyl-5-phenylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione have a greater toxic effect on green algae. The findings underscore the need for future research to consider the environmental implications and ecotoxicity of PB. Such consideration is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the long-term environmental impact of pharmaceutical residues in aquatic ecosystems.

Are pharmaceutical residues in crops a threat to human health?

ABSTRACT The application of biosolids, manure, and slurry onto agricultural soils and the growing use of treated wastewater in agriculture result in the introduction of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals to the environment. Once in the soil environment, pharmaceuticals may be taken up by crops, resulting in consequent human exposure to pharmaceutical residues. The potential side effects of pharmaceuticals administered in human medicine are widely documented; however, far less is known regarding the risks that arise from incidental dietary exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate human exposure to pharmaceutical residues in crops and assess the associated risk to health for a range of pharmaceuticals frequently detected in soils. Estimated concentrations of carbamazepine, oxytetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and tetracycline in soil were used in conjunction with plant uptake and crop consumption data to estimate daily exposures to each compound. Exposure concentrations were compared to Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs) to determine the level of risk. Generally, exposure concentrations were lower than ADIs. The exceptions were carbamazepine, and trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole under conservative, worst-case scenarios, where a potential risk to human health was predicted. Future research therefore needs to prioritize investigation into the health effects following exposure to these compounds from consumption of contaminated crops.

Electrochemical degradation of acetaminophen in urine matrices: Unraveling complexity and implications for realistic treatment strategies

Urine has an intricate composition with high concentrations of organic compounds like urea, creatinine, and uric acid. Urine poses a formidable challenge for advanced effluent treatment processes following urine diversion strategies. Urine matrix complexity is heightened when dealing with pharmaceutical residues like acetaminophen (ACT) and metabolized pharmaceuticals. This work explores ACT degradation in synthetic, fresh real, and hydrolyzed real urines using electrochemical oxidation with a dimensional stable anode (DSA). Analyzing drug concentration (2.5 - 40 mg L−1) over 180 min at various current densities in fresh synthetic effluent revealed a noteworthy 75% removal at 48 mA cm−2. ACT degradation kinetics and that of the other organic components followed a pseudo-first-order reaction. Uric acid degradation competed with ACT degradation, whereas urea and creatinine possessed higher oxidation resistance. Fresh real urine presented the most challenging scenario for the electrochemical process. Whereas, hydrolyzed real urine achieved higher ACT removal than fresh synthetic urine. Carboxylic acids like acetic, tartaric, maleic, and oxalic were detected as main by-products. Inorganic ionic species nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium ions were released to the medium from N-containing organic compounds. These findings underscore the importance of considering urine composition complexities and provide significant advancements in strategies for efficiently addressing trace pharmaceutical contamination.

A novel approach to measure the untraceable amount of cetirizine and fexofenadine in drinking water

BackgroundPharmaceutical residues in the drinking water have become a major challenge of the modern urban life because bioaccumulation of these residues in human bodies has been considered the major cause of trending disorders such as infertility, drug resistance, hormonal imbalance etc. Although proctocols have been implemented to detect and deliminate these residues to purify the drinking water but inspite of huge efforts, the untraceable amount of these substances remains intact. Purpose of studyConsidering the singnificance of detection of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water, the current study was perform to develop a novel approach to measure the untraceable amount of Cetirizine and Fexofenadine by using an in-lab developed nanosheets of graphene oxide to act as suitable adsorbents of compounds of the antihistamine family. MethodsThese graphene nanosheets were characterized following the adsorption kinetics, contact time, temperature, pH, desorption rate, volume effect on adsorption and desorption concentration. FT-IR and XRD methods were also used to detect the nanoparticles. Results and conclusionIt was observed that the best pH for Cetirizine and Fexofenadine adsorptionis 3 and 6, respectively by using methanol as an optimal solvent. The quadratic equation of both drugs paints a clearer picture of absorption. The validation test of the sample condensation by graphene oxide adsorbent exhibited that using the synthesized adsorbent, the analysis power of these drugs in water samples can be enhanced from mg/L units to μg/L, which helps analyze very small amounts of these compounds in aquatic environments. On the other hand, the maximum adsorptioncapacity of 28.2 and 26.42 mg/g for Cetirizine and Fexofenadine, respectively, indicates the high adsorptioncapacity of this substance to treat pollution of wastewater discharged by pharmaceutical factories.

Metagenomic investigation of antibiotic resistance genes and resistant bacteria contamination in pharmaceutical plant sites in China

Pharmaceutical plant sites play a significant role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into the environment. It is imperative to comprehensively monitor of ARGs across various environmental media at these sites. This study focused on three pharmaceutical plants, two located in North China and one in South China. Through metagenomic approaches, we examined the composition, mobility potential, and bacterial hosts of ARGs in diverse media such as process water, groundwater, topsoil, soil cores, and pharmaceutical fermentation residues across diverse environmental matrices, including topsoil, soil cores, process water, groundwater, and pharmaceutical fermentation residues. We identified a wide array of ARGs, comprising 21 types and 740 subtypes, with process water exhibiting the highest abundance and diversity. Treatment processes varied in their efficacy in eliminating ARGs, and the clinically relevant ARGs should also be considered when evaluating wastewater treatment plant efficiency. Geographical distinctions in groundwater ARG distribution between northern and southern regions were observed. Soil samples from the three sites showed minimal impact from pharmaceutical activity, with vancomycin-resistance genes being the most prevalent. High levels of ARGs in pharmaceutical fermentation residues underscore the necessity for improved waste management practices. Metagenomic assembly revealed that plasmid-mediated ARGs were more abundant than chromosome-mediated ARGs. Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) analysis identified 166 MAGs, with 62 harboring multiple ARGs. Certain bacteria tended to carry specific types of ARGs, revealing distinct host-resistance associations. This study enhances our understanding of ARG dissemination across different environmental media within pharmaceutical plants and underscores the importance of implementing strict regulations for effluent and residue discharge to control ARG spread.

Assessing earthworm exposure to a multi-pharmaceutical mixture in soil: unveiling insights through LC–MS and MALDI-MS analyses, and impact of biochar on pharmaceutical bioavailability

In the European circular economy, agricultural practices introduce pharmaceutical (PhAC) residues into the terrestrial environment, posing a potential risk to earthworms. This study aimed to assess earthworm bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), the ecotoxicological effects of PhACs, the impact of biochar on PhAC bioavailability to earthworms, and their persistence in soil and investigate earthworm uptake mechanisms along with the spatial distribution of PhACs. Therefore, earthworms were exposed to contaminated soil for 21 days. The results revealed that BAFs ranged from 0.0216 to 0.329, with no significant ecotoxicological effects on earthworm weight or mortality (p > 0.05). Biochar significantly influenced the uptake of 14 PhACs on the first day (p < 0.05), with diminishing effects over time, and affected significantly the soil-degradation kinetics of 16 PhACs. Moreover, MALDI-MS analysis revealed that PhAC uptake occurs through both the dermal and oral pathways, as pharmaceuticals were distributed throughout the entire earthworm tissue without specific localization. In conclusion, this study suggests ineffective PhAC accumulation in earthworms, highlights the influence of biochar on PhAC degradation rates in soil, and suggests that uptake can occur through both earthworm skin and oral ingestion.Graphical

Drugs Removal from Wastewater with Activated Carbon from Coffee Waste

Today, pharmaceutical residues constitute most of the problem in the water contamination because they are active principles which are able to act at low quantities, and they are usually recalcitrant to the conventional wastewater treatment. Hospital effluent is the main source of the environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals due to their excessive use in medical establishments. In our study, we collected the coffee grounds from Dubai cafes which was washed and then carbonized, and this carbonized product will be cooled and sieved. We will evaluate the ability of this unique activated carbon in decontaminating hospital effluents and eliminating pharmaceutical compounds. This filtration is carried out by the adsorption process on the pores generated by the activation of carbon in a prototype designed for this purpose. The chromatographic analysis will confirm the expected results. In fact, many pharmaceuticals were completely disappeared from hospital effluent after the treatment with coffee grounds and for other drugs the removal of the chemical compounds exceeded 90%. The developed technique which is based on the production of activated carbon from coffee grounds can have two major advantages: the recovery of one waste (coffee grounds) for the treatment of another waste hospital wastewater and completely clear of pharmaceuticals.

Research and Application of Water Treatment Technologies for Emerging Contaminants (ECs): A Pathway to Solving Water Environment Challenges

As industrialization and urbanization accelerate, the quality of the water environment has been deteriorating, and pollution from novel pollutants (ECs), such as microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and endocrine disruptors, has become increasingly prominent. Although the concentration of these new pollutants in the environment is very low, they pose a long-term cumulative threat to human health and ecosystem security because of their persistent and difficult-to-degrade properties. This paper reviews the treatment technologies for novel pollutants such as microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and endocrine disruptors, including physical (e.g., sand filtration, adsorption, membrane separation), chemical (e.g., flocculation, advanced oxidation, photocatalysis), and biological (e.g., microbial degradation) methods. The various technologies’ advantages, disadvantages, and application statuses are analyzed, and future research directions and challenges are presented.

Assessing the pharmaceutical residues as hotspots of the main rivers of Catalonia, Spain

The global increase in pharmaceutical consumption, driven by factors such as aging populations and chronic diseases, has raised concerns regarding the environmental impact of pharmaceutical contaminants. Europe, and more specifically Catalonia (Spain), exhibits high pharmaceutical consumption rates, potentially exacerbating environmental contamination. Pharmaceuticals enter rivers through various pathways, persisting after wastewater treatment plants and posing risks to aquatic organisms and human health. Llobregat and Besòs Rivers in Catalonia, crucial water sources, demonstrate detectable pharmaceutical levels, necessitating comprehensive analysis. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) proves effective in detecting pharmaceutical residues, facilitating their risk assessment. This paper reviews the occurrence, fate, and risks associated with 78 pharmaceuticals and metabolite in Llobregat and Besòs Rivers, using LC–MS/MS for analysis. Understanding pharmaceutical impacts on Catalonian River ecosystems is essential for developing mitigation strategies.

Environmentally Relevant Levels of Antiepileptic Carbamazepine Altered Intestinal Microbial Composition and Metabolites in Amphibian Larvae.

There is growing concern about the potential ecological risks posed by pharmaceutical residues in the aquatic environment. However, our understanding of the toxic effects of antiepileptic pharmaceuticals, such as carbamazepine (CBZ), on aquatic animal larvae is still limited. In this study, the tadpoles of the black-spotted pond frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of CBZ (0.3 and 3.0 μg/L) for 30 days, and their growth, intestinal microbial composition, and metabolites were investigated to assess the potential toxic effects of CBZ in non-targeted aquatic organisms. Some tadpoles died during exposure, but there was no significant among-group difference in the survival and growth rates. CBZ exposure significantly altered the composition of tadpole intestinal microbiota. Relative abundances of some bacterial genera (e.g., Blautia, Prevotella, Bacillus, Microbacterium, etc.) decreased, while others (e.g., Paucibacter, etc.) increased in CBZ-exposed tadpoles. Interestingly, CBZ-induced alterations in some bacteria might not necessarily lead to adverse outcomes for animals. Meanwhile, small molecular intestinal metabolites related to energy metabolism, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were also altered after exposure. Taken together, environmentally relevant levels of CBZ might alter the metabolic and immune performances of amphibian larvae by modifying the abundance of some specific bacteria and the level of metabolites in their intestines, thereby potentially causing a long-term effect on their fitness.

Single and combined toxicity of tadalafil (Cilais) and microplastic in Tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus)

The joint impact of tadalafil (Cilais) as a pharmaceutical residue and microplastics on fish is not well comprehended. The current study examined haematological, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters, along with immunohistochemical and histological indications in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after being exposed to tadalafil, polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs), and their mixtures for 15 days. The fish were distributed into 1st group control group (The fish was maintained in untreated water without any supplements); 2nd group exposed to 10 mg/L PE-MPs;3rd group exposed to 20 mg/l tadalafil (Cilais); 4th group exposed to 20 mg/l tadalafil (Cilais) + 10 mg/LPE-MPs (in triplicate). The levels of creatinine, uric acid, glucose, AST, ALT, and albumin in fish treated with tadalafil alone or in combination with PE-MPs were significantly higher than those in the control group. Fish exposed to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil plus PE-MPs showed significantly lower levels of RBCs, Hb, Ht, neutrophils, and lymphocytes compared to the control group. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione (GSH) were notably lowered in fish groups subjected to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil + PE-MPs combinations in comparison to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels were notably elevated in fish groups subjected to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil + PE-MPs combinations compared to the control group. The most severe impact was observed in the tadalafil + PE-MPs combination group. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly increased in liver tissues following exposure to both tadalafil and microplastics compared to tissues exposed to only one substance or the control group. Changes in the gills, liver, and renal tissues were seen following exposure to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil + PE-MPs combination in comparison to the control group of fish. Ultimately, the mixture of tadalafil and PE-MPs resulted in the most detrimental outcomes. Tadalafil and PE-MPs exhibited showed greater adverse effects, likely due to tadalafil being absorbed onto PE-MPs.

Pharmaceutical emissions on the example of the Baltic Sea catchment: comparing measurements with multi-tier predictive models

Currently, there is uncertainty about emissions of pharmaceuticals into larger closed ecosystems that are at risk such as the Baltic Sea. There is an increasing need for selecting the right strategies on advanced wastewater treatment. This study analysed 35 pharmaceuticals and iodinated X-ray contrast media in effluents from 82 Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) across Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. Measured concentrations from Finland and Denmark were compared to predicted effluent concentrations using different levels of refinement. The concentrations predicted by the Total Residue Approach, as proposed by the European Medicines Agency, correlated with R2 of 0.18 and 0.031 to measured ones for Denmark and Finland, respectively and the predicted data were significantly higher than the measured ones. These correlations improved substantially to R2 of 0.72 and 0.74 after adjusting for estimated human excretion rates and further to R2 = 0.91 and 0.78 with the inclusion of removal rates in WWTPs. Temporal analysis of compound variations in a closely monitored WWTP showed minimal fluctuation over days and weeks for most compounds but revealed weekly shifts in iodinated X-ray contrast media due to emergency-only operations at X-ray clinics during weekends and an abrupt seasonal change for gabapentin. The findings underscore the limitations of current predictive models and findings (...) demonstrate how these methodologies can be refined by incorporating human pharmaceutical excretion/metabolization as well as removal in wastewater treatment plants to more accurately forecast pharmaceutical levels in aquatic environments.

Re-processing of pharmaceutical herb residues using isolated probiotics from plant sources and their beneficial effects on diarrhea

This study aims to use hot aqueous extract of herbal residue (HRE) to enhance bacterial growth and possess anti-diarrheal effects. In this study, lactobacillus species L. brevis (SAM-1), Lactobacillus plantarum (SAM-2), and Lactobacillus herbinensis (SAM-3) were isolated from date palm sap (collected in winter season). Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Bangladesh provided herbal residues ‘Adovas’ which is non-sedating herbal cough syrup with sixteen common herbs including Adhatoda vasica. In our observation, HRE increased the number of colonies in MRS media. In the anti-diarrheal study by castor oil and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrheal mouse model, SAM-1 and 2 with or without HRE showed almost similar results. After initial morphological characterization, tests such as resistance to low pH, bile salt and survival capability in gastric simulated fluid (GSF) were performed to confirm them as a probiotic candidate. All three isolates were gram-positive bacteria and could grow in a mesophilic range of temperatures. The isolates were catalase-negative and were able to coagulate milk after overnight incubation. As the isolates exhibited resistance to low pH and could tolerate bile salts, they may survive in the stomach and intestine, thus making them a promising probiotic candidate. The isolated probiotics and HRE inhibited diarrheal and restored the body's electrolytes. Interestingly, SAM-2 showed higher efficacy than the standard drug (Loperamide), while SAM-1 showed a similar effect and SAM-3, had less effect than Loperamide. The findings suggest that probiotics and herbal residue could contribute to diarrhoeal disease prevention, which might be an alternative to a synthetic standard drug (Loperamide).