Potential ecological and human health risks associated with the presence of pharmaceutically active compounds in the aquatic environment.
Recently, considerable interest has developed regarding the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment, but as yet the potential ecological effects associated with the presence of these compounds have been largely ignored. In this review, laboratory-based acute and chronic toxicity data, as well as studies concerned with the effects of pharmaceuticals on a variety of different organisms, are examined, along with the reported environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals in aquatic systems. The possible sources and pathways of these compounds to the environment and the effects of a variety of medicines on a range of organisms are also highlighted, and recommendations are made for further research.
Environmental Processes and Water Technology Group, Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
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OA
Jones
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Voulvoulis
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Lester
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States; D019155:Veterinary Drugs / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D019155:Veterinary Drugs; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical