Page 140 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

Biological Approach for Removal of Pharmaceutical Pollutants 121

Raw
materials

Technique Recycle on
Production site
process
Management

Products Wastes
Recycle/Reuse
out of the site

FIGURE 7.1 Wastewater management.

7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
The environmental risk posed by pharmaceutical products in water is of extraordinary
significance for the health of both people and aquatic organisms. The recognition of
chemical compounds in any natural network does not necessarily imply that it is of con-
cern or may cause harm. In any case, real concerns emerge from the location of chemicals
for which there is confirmation that they may unfavorably influence oceanic life (Ebele
et al., 2017). Figure 7.2 illustrates the environmental risks of pharmaceutical products.

7.3.1 bioaccuMulaTion
Pharmaceutical products are identified in the fresh water environment at moderately
low concentrations. Many of them and their metabolites are naturally active and can

Environmental risk of
pharmaceutical products

Bioaccumlation Persistence Toxicity
Non-target Pseudo- Poly chlorinated
aquatic organism persistent biphenyls (PCBs)

Plant biomass- Perfluoroalkyl
algae substances

Polybrominated
diphenyl ethers

FIGURE 7.2 The environmental risks of pharmaceutical products.