Detection and Management of the Pharmaceutical Pollutants from Aquatic Systems - A Mini Review

Abstract

Pharmaceutical residues in aquatic environments are common, and studies detailing their environmental fate has been given prominence in recent years. Since some pharmaceutical residues (environmentally persistent and stable drugs) are not eliminated using conventional wastewater treatments, research on the integrated methods is needed. Photocatalysis, ozonation, electrocoagulation, oxidation, adsorption, and biological treatments (phytoremediation, bioremediation) are generally used at waste water treatment plants. The most important environmental problem facing humanity is the increasing contamination of freshwater resources globally with hundreds of recalcitrant pharma micropollutants. In recent years, it has been acknowledged that research on the prevalence and destiny of pharmaceutical residues in aquatic habitats is vital. Detection of the drugs and finding solution for their removal from contaminated sites can be achieved with the optimization of biotic (microorganisms, algae, plant) and abiotic factors (light, pH, temperature, and carbon source). This mini review gives insight on the use of enzymes for the sensing of the drugs, enzyme assisted detoxification mechanism in plants as well as microorganisms. The biotic-abiotic coupled system and in site remediation processes are also discussed.
Keywords: Drugs, Enzymes, Remediation, Toxicity, Phytoremediation, Wetland