How have pharmaceutical drugs had an impact on the environment - and in which situations, and how can we defend it?
It is evident that the increasingly widespread use of medications not only harms people's immune systems but also damages the environment. The use of non-prescribed, over-the-counter, and expired medicines outside doctor recommendations is not advised. These situations are just one of the many challenges contributing to drug waste and recycling difficulties. The transition of drugs into the ecosystem occurs through various pathways. In this cycle that starts with humans and animals, if active pharmaceutical ingredients (such as pain relief tablets) are not adequately treated, they can reach our drinking water. According to FDA (Food and Drug Administration) officials, people should be cautious when disposing of expired or no longer needed medications found in their home medicine cabinets in the trash, as not every medication can be disposed of simply by throwing them away.
Antibiotics are highly effective bioactive substances that either halt the growth of microorganisms or kill them and can be derived from biological sources or synthesized. Today, antibiotics have a wide range of uses, with an estimated annual consumption of 100,000-200,000 tons worldwide. Since antibiotics are not treated, environmental waters become reservoirs where antibiotic-resistant bacteria accumulate and provide an environment for their spread. They disrupt the ecological balance by causing toxicity to organisms in the ecosystem and microorganisms in biological treatment systems. In a study conducted by a microbiology expert, 14 commonly used antibiotics were analyzed in rivers across 72 countries on six continents. As a result, high levels of antibiotics were found in 65% of the monitored areas. The fact that three-quarters of the Earth is covered with water and 65% of these waters show high levels of danger reveals a significant threat.
One of the most affected by drugs is solid. The stabilized sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants is increasingly widespread in agricultural use, directly or indirectly. Sewage sludge tends to absorb many potential contaminants from wastewater, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemical residues. The constant development of cities and, hence, the expansion of sewage networks, causes an increasing amount of sewage. Statistical data from Statistics Poland confirm the growing amount of sludge in industrial and municipal sewage treatment plants. Since 2010, this value has been consistently growing, and in 2019 it exceeded 1048.7 thousand tons of dry matter. In 2020, there was a decrease in the generated sludge by approximately 5.6%. According to the Central Statistical Office, this could be related to the coronavirus pandemic, which forced the human population to be less active, inhibiting the industry. In addition, Pharmaceuticals can affect the behavior, reproduction, and survival of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
What can we do?
Prescribing medications in small quantities should be implemented to prevent the formation of unnecessary medication stockpiles.
Patients' levels of medication knowledge should be raised.
The extent of pollution should be determined, and our underground and surface water resources should be regularly monitored.
New research findings can be presented.
According to Dr Laxminarayan, Director at CDDEP “We are optimistic that future generations will also witness the miracle of antibiotics. To ensure that privilege, it is incumbent on us to treat the crown jewels of modern medicine with care and respect.” By direct your efforts towards contributing to environmental conservation, we can collectively make the world a better place.
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