Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Perspective - Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2023) Volume 13, Issue 102

Societal alternatives to drugs in aquatic environments.

Lara Krol *

Department of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Netherlands

*Corresponding Author:
Lara Krol
Department of Engineering Technology
University of Twente
Netherlands
E-mail: Krol@lara.36.nl

Received:28-Oct-2023, Manuscript No. AABPS-23-119401; Editor assigned:28-Aug-2023, PreQC No. AABPS-23-119401 (PQ); Reviewed:11-Sep-2023, QC No. AABPS-23-119401; Revised:16-Sep-2023, Manuscript No. AABPS-23-119401 (R); Published:22-Sep-2023, DOI:10.35841/ aabps-13.102.204

Citation: Krol L. Societal alternatives to drugs in aquatic environments. Asian J Biomed Pharmaceut Sci. 2023;13(102):204

Introduction

A rising issue for the world's aquatic environments—lakes, rivers, and oceans—is the presence of prescription medications and recreational drugs. These materials can get into water bodies in a number of ways, including runoff from farms, inappropriate dumping, and wastewater discharges. Drug pollution has serious and varied effects on aquatic ecosystems that have an impact on human health as well as the environment. Societies all across the world are looking into different strategies to address the problem of drug pollution in aquatic environments in response to this growing concern [1, 2].

There are several reasons why pharmaceuticals may be found in aquatic habitats. Numerous medications can find their way into bodies of water through wastewater from residences, medical facilities, and pharmaceutical production facilities. Painkillers, antibiotics, contraceptives, and even recreational drugs like cocaine and ecstasy are among these substances. The effects of this pollution are extensive and comprise [3, 4].

Drugs in water can have a negative impact on aquatic life, including fish, frogs, and crustaceans. For example, it has been noted that the feminization of male fish caused by the presence of contraceptive hormones in water bodies might result in population imbalances and long-term ecological problems. Unintentional human exposure to medications can occur when they are present in water sources. Despite the generally modest concentrations in drinking water, prolonged exposure to traces of medications may cause health problems. The public's health is seriously threatened by the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be facilitated by the presence of antibiotics in aquatic settings [5, 6].

One of the simplest yet effective ways to reduce drug pollution is by encouraging responsible drug disposal. Drugs being flushed down the toilet or disposed of incorrectly can be avoided with the support of education programs and easy-to-use disposal methods offered by pharmacies and healthcare facilities. Purchasing cutting-edge technologies for treating wastewater is essential if you want to get rid of medicines and pharmaceuticals from wastewater before you release it into natural water bodies. Drug contamination can be decreased by using methods including membrane bioreactors, activated carbon filtration, and zonation. Governments and regulatory agencies can support the development of environmentally friendly medications by enforcing stronger regulations on pharmaceutical production procedures. They can also impose restrictions on the maximum amounts of medications that are allowed to be released into wastewater [7, 8].

The pharmaceutical sector can concentrate its research and development efforts on developing medications with lower environmental impact, as well as lower bioavailability and persistence in aquatic environments. Drug contamination can be significantly decreased by increasing public awareness of the negative effects that drug pollution has on the environment and motivating people to make responsible decisions, such properly disposing of their drugs. It is crucial to conduct ongoing study and monitoring on the presence of medicines in aquatic ecosystems and their impacts. This information can guide future decisions and activities [9, 10].

Conclusion

Drug contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a complex issue that has an impact on human health as well as the environment. Governments, businesses, communities, and individuals must work together to address this issue. Medication pollution can be lessened and our aquatic ecosystems preserved for future generations by implementing societal alternatives like eco-friendly pharmaceutical development, enhanced water treatment technology, responsible medication disposal, and regulatory measures.

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