Pharmaceuticals of Emerging Concern in Aquatic Systems: Chemistry, Occurrence, Effects, and Removal Methods

Impact of veterinary pharmaceuticals on environment and their mitigation through microbial bioremediation

Veterinary medications are constantly being used for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in livestock. However, untreated veterinary drug active compounds are interminably discharged into numerous water bodies and terrestrial ecosystems, during production procedures, improper disposal of empty containers, unused medication or animal feed, and treatment procedures. This exhaustive review describes the different pathways through which veterinary medications enter the environment, discussing the role of agricultural practices and improper disposal methods. The detrimental effects of veterinary drug compounds on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are elaborated with examples of specific veterinary drugs and their known impacts. This review also aims to detail the mechanisms by which microbes degrade veterinary drug compounds as well as highlighting successful case studies and recent advancements in microbe-based bioremediation. It also elaborates on microbial electrochemical technologies as an eco-friendly solution for removing pharmaceutical pollutants from wastewater. Lastly, we have summarized potential innovations and challenges in implementing bioremediation on a large scale under the section prospects and advancements in this field.

Metformin as an Emerging Pollutant in the Aquatic Environment: Occurrence, Analysis, and Toxicity

The use of human and veterinary drugs has led to the accumulation of pharmaceuticals in various aquatic environments at progressively increasing levels, exhibiting strong ecological risks. Metformin is widely used as a first-line prescription drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as a livestock drug. Unlike other drugs, metformin is not metabolized in the body, and almost all of its intake is excreted and released into the aquatic environment via urine and feces, causing adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. This review provides an overview of the occurrence and detection of metformin in the aquatic environment and its toxic effects on different aquatic organisms (fish, daphnia, rotifers, chlorella). Metformin has been documented in a variety of aqueous environments such as wastewater, surface water, and groundwater as well as drinking water. The wide distribution of metformin in the aqueous environment calls for the development of more accurate detection methods. This paper reviews detection methods for metformin in the aqueous environment and evaluates their advantages and disadvantages. Toxicity studies have shown that metformin can cause adverse reactions in fish, such as oxidative stress, genotoxicity, disruption of intestinal flora, and morphological alterations; it also affects the growth and reproduction of small aquatic organisms. Knowledge gaps in the field of metformin research were assessed, and future research priorities were identified.

Application of in vitro bioassays to monitor pharmaceuticals in water: A synthesis of chronological analysis, mode of action, and practical insights

Pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater have emerged as a significant concern for the aquatic environment. The use of in vitro bioassays represents a sustainable and cost-effective approach for assessing the potential toxicological risks of these biologically active compounds in wastewater and aligns with ethical considerations in research. It facilitates high-throughput analysis, captures mixture effects, integrates impacts of both known and unknown chemicals, and reduces reliance on animal testing. The core aim of the current review was to explore the practical application of in vitro bioassays in evaluating the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals in wastewater. This comprehensive review strives to achieve several key objectives. First, it provides a summary categorisation of pharmaceuticals based on their mode of action, providing a structured framework for understanding their ecological significance. Second, a chronological analysis of pharmaceutical research aims to document their prevalence and trends over time, shedding light on evolving environmental challenges. Third, the review critically analyses existing bioassay applications in wastewater, while also examining bioassay coverage of representative compounds within major pharmaceutical classes. Finally, it explores the potential for developing innovative bioassays tailored for water quality monitoring of pharmaceuticals, paving the way for more robust environmental monitoring and risk assessment. Overall, adopting effect-based methods for pharmaceutical monitoring in water holds significant promise. It encompasses a broad spectrum of biological impacts, promotes standardized protocols, and supports a bioassay test battery approach indicative of different endpoints, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of environmental risk assessment.

A review on titanium oxide nanoparticles modified metal-organic frameworks for effective CO2 conversion and efficient wastewater remediation

Environmental pollution has been increasing since last decade due to increasing industrialisation and urbanisation. Various kinds ofenvironmental pollutants including carbon dioxide (CO2), dyes, pharmaceuticals, phenols, heavy metals along with many organic and inorganic species have been discovered in the various environmental compartments which possess harmful impacts tox human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. Thus, various efforts have been made through regulations, technological advancements, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the impact of the pollution. However, finding suitable alternatives to mitigate their impacts remained a challenge. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are one of the advanced materials with unique features such as high porosity and stability which exhibit versatile applications in environmental remediation. Their composites with titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2) have been discovered to offer potential feature such as light harvesting capacity and catalytic activity. The composite integration and properties have been confirmed through characterization using surface area analysis, scanning electron/transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and others. Thus, this work rigorously discussed potential applications of the MOF@TiO2 nanomaterials for the CO2 capture and effective utilization in methanol, ethanol, acetone, acetaldehyde, and other useful products that served as fuel to various industrial processes. Additionally, the work highlights the effective performance of the materials towards photocatalytic degradation of both organic and inorganic pollutants with indepth mechanistic insights. The article will offer significant contribution for the development of sustainable and efficient technologies for the environmental monitoring and pollution mitigation.

Evaluation of acetanilide and antipyrine adsorption on lignin-derived activated carbons

In this study, the removal of two emerging pollutants (EPs), antipyrine and acetanilide, through adsorption on activated carbons (ACs) prepared by chemical activation of Organosolv lignin with H3PO4 were evaluated. ACs with different pore size distribution were obtained at different impregnation ratios (H3PO4/lignin, 0.5-3.0 w/w) and activating temperatures (500-900 °C). The porosity and surface chemistry of the ACs were determined, and a bimodal size distribution of micropores and narrow mesopores was observed for the different ACs. These ACs were tested for antipyrine and acetanilide adsorption in aqueous solutions in a batch system at 20 °C and low concentration levels (0.5-10 ppm). In general, the ACs exhibited higher adsorption affinity to acetanilide than to antipyrine due to its smaller molecular size. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was able to describe the adsorption equilibrium data. A new Linear Driving Force (2-LDF) kinetic model, based on the bimodal size distribution of micropores and narrow mesopores observed for the ACs has been developed. The new model provided a more accurate description of the batch adsorption rates than that obtained from conventional kinetic models, and also enabled to relate the pore size distribution of the adsorbent with the adsorption kinetics. The validity of this model was checked in small-scale column fixed bed adsorption for the AC showing the highest affinity for both EP. The kinetic model and equilibrium adsorption isotherm obtained from the batch experiments were successfully used to provide an accurate description of the bed service time and the full breakthrough profile of acetanilide and antipyrine.

Biocomposite Material Based on Lactococcus lactis sp. Immobilized in Natural Polymer Matrix for Pharmaceutical Removal from Aqueous Media

Ecosystems are negatively impacted by pharmaceutical-contaminated water in different ways. In this work, a new biosorbent obtained by immobilizing Lactococcus lactis in a calcium alginate matrix was developed for the removal of pharmaceuticals from aqueous solutions. Ethacridine lactate (EL) was selected as the target drug. Lactococcus Lactis biomass was chosen for the biosorbent synthesis for two reasons: (i) the microbial biomass used in the food industry allows the development of a low-cost biosorbent from available and renewable materials, and (ii) there is no literature mentioning the use of Lactococcus Lactis biomass immobilized in natural polymers as a biosorbent for the removal of pharmaceuticals. The characterization of the synthesized biosorbent named 5% LLA was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Additionally, particle size and the point of zero charge were established. Batch biosorption investigations showed that using 5% LLA at an initial pH of 3.0 and a biosorbent dose of 2 g/L resulted in up to 80% EL removal efficiency for all EL initial concentrations (20-60 mg/L). Four equilibrium isotherms, given in the order of Redlich-Peterson > Freundlich > Hill > Temkin, are particularly relevant for describing the experimental data for EL biosorption on the 5% LLA biosorbent using correlation coefficient values. Kinetic parameters were determined using kinetic models such as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, Avrami and Weber-Morris. The pseudo-second-order kinetics model provides the greatest fit among the evaluated equations, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. According to the study's findings, the developed biocomposite is a potentially useful material for the removal of pharmaceuticals from aqueous matrices.

Single and combined toxicity of tadalafil (Cilais) and microplastic in Tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus)

The joint impact of tadalafil (Cilais) as a pharmaceutical residue and microplastics on fish is not well comprehended. The current study examined haematological, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters, along with immunohistochemical and histological indications in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after being exposed to tadalafil, polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs), and their mixtures for 15 days. The fish were distributed into 1st group control group (The fish was maintained in untreated water without any supplements); 2nd group exposed to 10 mg/L PE-MPs;3rd group exposed to 20 mg/l tadalafil (Cilais); 4th group exposed to 20 mg/l tadalafil (Cilais) + 10 mg/LPE-MPs (in triplicate). The levels of creatinine, uric acid, glucose, AST, ALT, and albumin in fish treated with tadalafil alone or in combination with PE-MPs were significantly higher than those in the control group. Fish exposed to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil plus PE-MPs showed significantly lower levels of RBCs, Hb, Ht, neutrophils, and lymphocytes compared to the control group. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione (GSH) were notably lowered in fish groups subjected to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil + PE-MPs combinations in comparison to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels were notably elevated in fish groups subjected to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil + PE-MPs combinations compared to the control group. The most severe impact was observed in the tadalafil + PE-MPs combination group. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly increased in liver tissues following exposure to both tadalafil and microplastics compared to tissues exposed to only one substance or the control group. Changes in the gills, liver, and renal tissues were seen following exposure to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil + PE-MPs combination in comparison to the control group of fish. Ultimately, the mixture of tadalafil and PE-MPs resulted in the most detrimental outcomes. Tadalafil and PE-MPs exhibited showed greater adverse effects, likely due to tadalafil being absorbed onto PE-MPs.

Biomorphometric and hematobiochemical alterations in the juvenile african catfish Clarias gariepinus exposed to propranolol

Propranolol (PRO) is a beta-blocker drug used for the treatment of anxiety, chest pain, migraine and tremors. The present study investigated whether sublethal concentrations of PRO have effects on the body condition, biochemistry, and hematology of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. The 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) of the drug, which was established through an acute toxicity study, was 9.48 mg/L. Based on these values, the fish were exposed for 21 days to the control and sublethal concentrations of 1.90, 0.95, and 0.63 mg/L, which are equivalent to the 1/5th, 1/10th, and 1/20th of the LC50 of PRO, respectively. After 21 days of exposure, the fish were removed from the toxicant and kept in toxicant-free water for 7 days to recover. The standard length and body weight of each fish were measured after each exposure period. The condition factor (CF) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were not significantly affected by the drug. The red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) count and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased from day 7 to 21 at the tested concentrations, while the white blood cell (WBC) count significantly increased. There were alterations in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) in the exposed groups compared to those in the control group. When neutrophil counts increased, the lymphocyte counts decreased, but the monocyte, basophil cell and eosinophil cell counts were not affected. Among the liver enzymes, only aspartate aminotransferase was significantly stimulated in the groups that were exposed to the drug. The protein and glucose levels of fish exposed to the drug decreased. Most of the studied parameters returned to their original values after the 7-day recovery period. The information provided in the current study will be helpful in the monitoring of PRO contamination in aquatic environments.

Biodegradation of Photocatalytic Degradation Products of Sulfonamides: Kinetics and Identification of Intermediates

Sulfonamides can be effectively removed from wastewater through a photocatalytic process. However, the mineralization achieved by this method is a long-term and expensive process. The effect of shortening the photocatalytic process is the partial degradation and formation of intermediates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and transformation of photocatalytic reaction intermediates in aerobic biological processes. Sulfadiazine and sulfamethoxazole solutions were used in the study, which were irradiated in the presence of a TiO2-P25 catalyst. The resulting solutions were then aerated after the addition of river water or activated sludge suspension from a commercial wastewater treatment plant. The reaction kinetics were determined and fifteen products of photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides were identified. Most of these products were further transformed in the presence of activated sludge suspension or in water taken from the river. They may have been decomposed into other organic and inorganic compounds. The formation of biologically inactive acyl derivatives was observed in the biological process. However, compounds that are more toxic to aquatic organisms than the initial drugs can also be formed. After 28 days, the sulfamethoxazole concentration in the presence of activated sludge was reduced by 66 ± 7%. Sulfadiazine was practically non-biodegradable under the conditions used. The presented results confirm the advisability of using photocatalysis as a process preceding biodegradation.

Microfluidic sensors for the detection of emerging contaminants in water: A review

In recent years, numerous emerging contaminants have been identified in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water. Developing novel sensing methods for detecting diverse emerging pollutants in water is urgently needed, as even at low concentrations, these pollutants can pose a serious threat to human health and environmental safety. Traditional testing methods are based on laboratory equipment, which is highly sensitive but complex to operate, costly, and not suitable for on-site monitoring. Microfluidic sensors offer several benefits, including rapid evaluation, minimal sample usage, accurate liquid manipulation, compact size, automation, and in-situ detection capabilities. They provide promising and efficient analytical tools for high-performance sensing platforms in monitoring emerging contaminants in water. In this paper, recent research advances in microfluidic sensors for the detection of emerging contaminants in water are reviewed. Initially, a concise overview is provided about the various substrate materials, corresponding microfabrication techniques, different driving forces, and commonly used detection techniques for microfluidic devices. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis is conducted on microfluidic detection methods for endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, microplastics, and perfluorinated compounds. Finally, the prospects and future challenges of microfluidic sensors in this field are discussed.

Trace cisplatin adsorption by thiol-functionalized sponge (TFS) and Sn/SnO2-coated TFS: Adsorption study and mechanism investigation

To remove trace cisplatin from aqueous solution, commercial sponges were functionalized by esterification with 3-mercaptopropionic acid, followed by reduction with Na2S·9H2O or SnCl2·2H2O. The resulting thiol-functionalized sponges (TFSs), TFS_1 and TFS_2, were tested for the removal of cisplatin (235 μg L-1) achieving maximum removal of 95.5 ± 0.8% and 99.5 ± 0.1% respectively, which were significantly higher than the non-functionalized counterpart. The successful grafting of thiol groups, verified through FTIR, elemental analysis, SEM-EDS, and XPS characterization, facilitated Pt-S complexation during adsorption. The aqua-derivatives of cisplatin, formed through hydration, complexed with thiol sites through ligand displacement. Additionally, the presence of Sn/SnO2 coating on TFS_2 further enhanced the adsorption process. The rapid adsorption process conformed to pseudo-second-order kinetic model, involving both diffusion and chemisorption. While the Langmuir isotherm model generally described the monolayer adsorption behavior of cisplatin, the aggregation of Sn/SnO2 onto TFS_2 at 343 K introduced surface heterogeneity, rendering the Freundlich model a better fit for the adsorption isotherm. Differential pH dependence and the evaluation of mean free energy, derived from the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm model, indicated that cisplatin adsorption onto TFS_1 involved physisorption, including electrostatic attraction, while chemisorption predominated for TFS_2. Increasing the temperature notably promoted adsorption by facilitating the thermal-favored formation of Pt-S bonds.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Aquatic Environment and Bivalves: The State of the Art

In recent years, contaminants of emerging concern have been reported in several environmental matrices due to advances in analytical methodologies. These anthropogenic micropollutants are detected at residual levels, representing an ecotoxicological threat to aquatic ecosystems. In particular, the pharmacotherapeutic group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) is one of the most prescribed and used, as well as one of the most frequently detected in the aquatic environment. Bivalves have several benefits as a foodstuff, and also as an environment bioindicator species. Therefore, they are regarded as an ideal tool to assess this issue from both ecotoxicological and food safety perspectives. Thus, the control of these residues in bivalves is extremely important to safeguard environmental health, also ensuring food safety and public health. This paper aims to review NSAIDs in bivalves, observing their consumption, physicochemical characteristics, and mechanisms of action; their environmental occurrence in the aquatic environment and aquatic biota; and their effects on the ecosystem and the existent legal framework. A review of the analytical methodologies for the determination of NSAIDs in bivalves is also presented.

Ciprofloxacin Electrochemical Sensor Using Copper-Iron Mixed Metal Oxides Nanoparticles/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite

The harmful effects of antibiotic proliferation on the environment and its persistent nature are urgent global problems. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a fluoroquinolone-class antibiotic agent used widely to treat pathogen-related diseases in humans and animals. Its excretion into surface water causes antibiotic resistance in microbes, resulting in difficult-to-treat or untreatable infectious diseases. This study developed a simple and efficient electrochemical sensor to detect CIP. Hydrothermal chemistry was utilized to synthesize an electrophotocatalytic composite of copper-iron mixed metal oxides (CIMMO) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) (CIMMO/rGO). The composite was employed in an electrochemical sensor and exhibited outstanding performance in detecting CIP. The sensor was operated in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) mode under light source illumination. The sensor yielded a linear response in the concentration range of 0.75 × 10-9-1.0 × 10-7 mol L-1 CIP and showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.74 × 10-10 mol L-1. The excellent sensing performance of the composite is attributable to the synergic effects between CIMMO nanoparticles and rGO, which facilitate photoinduced electron-hole separation and assist in the indirect electrochemical reactions/interactions with CIP.

Scalable Preparation of Ultraselective and Highly Permeable Fully Aromatic Polyamide Nanofiltration Membranes for Antibiotic Desalination

Membranes are important in the pharmaceutical industry for the separation of antibiotics and salts. However, its widespread adoption has been hindered by limited control of the membrane microstructure (pore architecture and free-volume elements), separation threshold, scalability, and operational stability. In this study, 4,4',4'',4'''-methanetetrayltetrakis(benzene-1,2-diamine) (MTLB) as prepared as a molecular building block for fabricating thin-film composite membranes (TFCMs) via interfacial polymerization. The relatively large molecular size and rigid molecular structure of MTLB, along with its non-coplanar and distorted conformation, produced thin and defect-free selective layers (~27 nm) with ideal microporosities for antibiotic desalination. These structural advantages yielded an unprecedented high performance with a water permeance of 45.2 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 and efficient antibiotic desalination (NaCl/adriamycin selectivity of 422). We demonstrated the feasibility of the industrial scaling of the membrane into a spiral-wound module (with an effective area of 2.0 m2). This module exhibited long-term stability and performance that surpassed those of state-of-the-art membranes used for antibiotic desalination. This study provides a scientific reference for the development of high-performance TFCMs for water purification and desalination in the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmaceutical removal from wastewater by introducing cytochrome P450s into microalgae

Pharmaceuticals are of increasing environmental concern as they emerge and accumulate in surface- and groundwater systems around the world, endangering the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. Municipal wastewater discharge is a significant vector for pharmaceuticals and their metabolites to enter surface waters as humans incompletely absorb prescription drugs and excrete up to 50% into wastewater, which are subsequently incompletely removed during wastewater treatment. Microalgae present a promising target for improving wastewater treatment due to their ability to remove some pollutants efficiently. However, their inherent metabolic pathways limit their capacity to degrade more recalcitrant organic compounds such as pharmaceuticals. The human liver employs enzymes to break down and absorb drugs, and these enzymes are extensively researched during drug development, meaning the cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for metabolizing each approved drug are well studied. Thus, unlocking or increasing cytochrome P450 expression in endogenous wastewater microalgae could be a cost-effective strategy to reduce pharmaceutical loads in effluents. Here, we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with introducing cytochrome P450 enzymes into microalgae. We anticipate that cytochrome P450-engineered microalgae can serve as a new drug removal method and a sustainable solution that can upgrade wastewater treatment facilities to function as "mega livers".

Reactivity of unactivated peroxymonosulfate and peroxyacetic acid with thioether micropollutants: Mechanisms and rate prediction

Thioether compounds, prevalent in pharmaceuticals, are of growing environmental concern due to their prevalence and potential toxicity. Peroxy chemicals, including peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and peroxyacetic acid (PAA), hold promise for selectively attacking specific thioether moieties. Still, it has been unclear how chemical structures affect the interactions between thioethers and peroxy chemicals. This study addresses this knowledge gap by quantitatively assessing the relationship between the structure of thioethers and intrinsic reaction rates. First, the results highlighted the adverse impact of electron-withdrawing groups on reactivity. Theoretical calculations were employed to locate reactive sites and investigate structural characteristics, indicating a close relationship between thioether charge and reaction rate. Additionally, we established a SMILES-based model for rapidly predicting PMS reactivity with thioether compounds. With this model, we identified 147 thioether chemicals within the high production volume (HPV) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug lists that PMS could effectively eliminate with the toxicity (-lg LC50) decreasing. These findings underscore the environmental significance of thioether compounds and the potential for their selective removal by peroxides.

Bio-electrochemical degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ): A comprehensive study on effectiveness, degradation pathway, and toxicological assessment

Recent attention on the detrimental effects of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in natural water has spurred researchers to develop advanced wastewater treatment methods. Carbamazepine (CBZ), a widely recognized anticonvulsant, has often been a primary focus in numerous studies due to its prevalence and resistance to breaking down. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of a bio-electrochemical system in breaking down CBZ in polluted water and to assess the potential harmful effects of the treated wastewater. The results revealed bio-electro degradation process demonstrated a collaborative effect, achieving the highest CBZ degradation compared to electrodegradation and biodegradation techniques. Notably, a maximum CBZ degradation efficiency of 92.01% was attained using the bio-electrochemical system under specific conditions: Initial CBZ concentration of 60 mg/L, pH level at 7, 0.5% (v/v) inoculum dose, and an applied potential of 10 mV. The degradation pathway established by identifying intermediate products via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, revealed the complete breakdown of CBZ without any toxic intermediates or end products. This finding was further validated through in vitro and in vivo toxicity assays, confirming the absence of harmful remnants after the degradation process.

Influence of vegetation and substrate type on removal of emerging organic contaminants and microbial dynamics in horizontal subsurface constructed wetlands

Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer an efficient alternative technology for removing emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) from wastewater. Optimizing CW performance requires understanding the impact of CW configuration on EOC removal and microbial community dynamics. This study investigated EOC removal and microbial communities in horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) CWs over a 26-month operational period. Comparison between tuff-filled and gravel-filled CWs highlighted the superior EOC removal in tuff-filled CWs during extended operation, likely caused by the larger surface area of the tuff substrate fostering microbial growth, sorption, and biodegradation. Removal of partially positively charged EOCs, like atenolol (29-98 %) and fexofenadine (21-87 %), remained constant in the different CWs, and was mainly attributed to sorption. In contrast, removal rates for polar non-sorbing compounds, including diclofenac (3-64 %), acyclovir (9-85 %), and artificial sweeteners acesulfame (5-60 %) and saccharin (1-48 %), seemed to increase over time due to enhanced biodegradation. The presence of vegetation and different planting methods (single vs. mixed plantation) had a limited impact, underscoring the dominance of substrate type in the CW performance. Microbial community analysis identified two stages: a startup phase (1-7 months) and a maturation phase (19-26 months). During this transition, highly diverse communities dominated by specific species in the early stages gave way to more evenly distributed and relatively stable communities. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes remained dominant throughout. Alphaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Salinimicrobium, and Sphingomonas were enriched during the maturation phase, potentially serving as bioindicators for EOC removal. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the pivotal role of substrate type and maturation in the removal of EOCs in HSSF CW, considering the complex interplay with EOC physicochemical properties. Insights into microbial community dynamics underscore the importance of taxonomic and functional diversity in assessing CW effectiveness. This knowledge aids in optimizing HSSF CWs for sustainable wastewater treatment, EOC removal, and ecological risk assessment, ultimately contributing to environmental protection.

Occurrence of Pharmaceutical Micropollutants in Lake Nahuel Huapi, Argentine Patagonia

Tourism is one of the most important activities for the economy of Nor Patagonia Argentina. In Bariloche City, located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, both the permanent and the temporary populations have increased significantly in recent decades, and this has not necessarily been accompanied by an improvement in sewage networks. Emerging micropollutants such as pharmaceutical compounds reach aquatic systems directly, in the absence of a domestic sewage network, or through effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), which do not efficiently remove these substances and represent a major threat to the environment. Therefore, the objective of our study was to monitor the presence of pharmaceutical compounds discharged both through wastewater effluents and diffusely from housing developments into Lake Nahuel Huapi. The results obtained demonstrate the presence of pharmaceuticals in Lake Nahuel Huapi with concentrations ranging from not detectable (ND) to 110.6 ng L-1 (caffeine). The highest pharmaceutical concentration recorded in WWTP influent corresponded to caffeine (41728 ng L-1), and the lowest concentration was paracetamol (18.8 ng L-1). The removal efficiency of pharmaceuticals in the WWTP was calculated, and ranged from 0% for carbamazepine to 66% for ciprofloxacin. This antibiotic showed the lowest % of attenuation (73%) in Lake Nahuel Huapi. These results on the occurrence of a wide variety of pharmaceuticals are the first generated in Patagonia, representing a regional baseline for this type of micropollutant and valuable information for the subsequent design of removal strategies for emerging pharmaceutical pollutants in surface water. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1274-1284. © 2024 SETAC.

Adsorptive removal of diclofenac sodium from aqueous solution by highly efficient metal organic framework (UiO-66)/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite

In the current study, synthesis and use of a novel adsorbent (composite in nature) are presented for treatment of one of the most commonly found pharmaceutical compound, viz, diclofenac sodium (DCF) in waste water. Synthesis of the composite adsorbent was done by hydrothermal method metal organic framework (MOF) based on Zr metal and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The composite adsorbent is termed as UiO-66/MWCNT. The confirmation of successful synthesis of the adsorbent is done with the help of sophisticated characterization techniques like FTIR, XRD, zeta potential analyser, and SEM. The synthesized composite adsorbent is found to have good adsorption capacity for DCF. The experiments related to the process of adsorption were done in batch mode and the significance of various operating parameters affecting the specific uptake of DCF. Maximum adsorption is observed at 3 pH (acidic condition) when the initial concentration of DCF and adsorbent dose was 30 mg/L and 100 mg/L, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm model best describes the process of adsorption with a maximum adsorption capacity of 256.41 mg/g. Experimental results obtained through the studies conducted related to the kinetics displayed that the process followed pseudo-second order model, and intraparticle studies suggested that diffusion through pores controls the rate. Thermodynamic studies suggest that the adsorption of DCF on UiO-66/MWCNT was completely spontaneous with ΔH = -22.089 kJ/mol. The possible mechanism for the adsorptive removal of DCF through UiO-66/MWCNT as found from this study is electrostatic interaction.

More sustainable use of iodinated contrast media - Why?

OBJECTIVES

Based on a narrative review of the literature to 1) assess the need for and 2) report methods to help deliver a sustainable approach to iodinated contrast media (ICM) administration.

KEY FINDINGS

Acute ICM shortages have been noted in the literature. As demand for contrast-enhanced imaging continues to increase and access to raw materials becomes more limited, such events may increase. Evidence from the literature has documented a range of iodinated contrast reduction strategies. These include individualised contrast-media dosing, multi-dose bulk ICM vials, switching to alternative modalities or the increased use of non-contrast examinations. The optimisation of imaging parameters, the use of saline chasers, and alternative contrast agents should be further considered. Given the rising concerns regarding the presence and effects of ICMs in waste and drinking water, further consideration of strategies for managing waste and excreted ICMs are starting to emerge.

CONCLUSIONS

Sustainable ICM practices are needed to help avoid supply shortages and to help protect our environment. Such practices must be led and supported locally, nationally, and internationally. Sustainable ICM practices must be reflected within professional Standards of Proficiencies and be adopted by all members of the multidisciplinary team.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Changes to working practices surrounding the sustainable use of ICMs will likely become commonplace. New methods to ensure optimised ICM dosage with minimal wastage will be more heavily featured in departmental practices. Correct disposal of waste and excreted ICMs will also form part of future changes to practice.

Attuning doped ZnO-based composites for an effective light-driven mineralization of pharmaceuticals via PMS activation

Water treatment technologies need to go beyond the current control of organic contaminants and ensure access to potable water. However, existing methods are still costly and often inadequate. In this context, novel catalysts that improve the mineralization degree of a wider range of pharmaceuticals through more benign and less consuming methodologies are highly sought after. ZnO, especially when doped, is a well-known semiconductor that also excels in the photocatalytic removal of persistent organic pollutants. In this study, we investigated the effect of doping ZnO nanoparticles with either copper, gallium or indium on the structure, morphology, photophysical properties and photocatalytic mineralization of pharmaceuticals. Their architecture was further improved through the fabrication of composites, pairing the best performing doped ZnO with either BaFe12O19 or nickel nanoparticles. Their suitability was tested on a complex 60-ppm multi-pollutant solution (tetracycline, levofloxacin and lansoprazole). The activation strategy combined photocatalysis with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) as an environmentally friendly source of highly oxidative sulfate radicals. The alliance of doped ZnO and BaFe12O19 was particularly successful, resulting in magnetic microcroquette-shaped composites with excellent inter-component synergy. In fact, indium outperformed the other proposed metal dopants, exceeding 97% mineralization after 1 h and achieving complete elimination after 3 h. All composites excelled in terms of reusability, with no catalytic loss after 10 consecutive cycles and minimal leakage of metal ions, highlighting their applicability in water remediation.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Naproxen: Intermediates and Total Reaction Mechanism

Photochemical and photocatalytic oxidation of naproxen (NPX) with UV-A light and commercial TiO2 under constant flow of oxygen have been investigated. Adsorption experiments indicated that 90% of the solute remained in the solution. Combined chemical analysis of samples on the photochemical degradation indicated that NPX in an aqueous solution (20 ppm) is efficiently transformed into other species but only 18% of the reactant is mineralized into CO2 and water after three hours of reaction. Performing the photocatalytic oxidation in the presence of TiO2, more than 80% of the organic compounds are mineralized by reactive oxidation species (ROS) within four hours of reaction. Analysis of reaction mixtures by a combination of analytical techniques indicated that naproxen is transformed into several aromatic naphthalene derivatives. These latter compounds are eventually transformed into polyhydroxylated aromatic compounds that are strongly adsorbed onto the TiO2 surface and are quickly oxidized into low-molecular-weight acids by an electron transfer mechanism. Based on this and previous studies on NPX photocatalytic oxidation, a unified and complete degradation mechanism is presented.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology for water remediation: an earnest hope toward sustainability

Water pollution and the global freshwater crisis are the most alarming concerns of the 21st century, as they threaten the sustainability and ecological balance of the environment. The growth of global population, climate change, and expansion of industrial processes are the main causes of these issues. Therefore, effective remediation of polluted water by means of detoxification and purification is of paramount importance. To this end, nanoscience and nanotechnology have emerged as viable options that hold tremendous potential toward the advancement of wastewater treatment methods to enhance treatment efficiency along with augmenting water supply via utilization of unconventional water sources. Materials at the nano level have shown great promise toward water treatment applications owing to their unique physicochemical properties. In this focus article, we highlight the role of new fundamental properties at the nano scale and material properties that are drastically increased due to the nano dimension (e.g. volume-surface ratio) and highlight their impact and potential toward water treatment. We identify and discuss how nano-properties could improve the three main domains of water remediation: the identification of pollutants, their adsorption and catalytic degradation. After discussing all the beneficial aspects we further discuss the key challenges associated with nanomaterials for water treatment. Looking at the current state-of-the-art, the potential as well as the challenges of nanomaterials, we believe that in the future we will see a significant impact of these materials on many water remediation strategies.

Trade-off between Endocrine-Disrupting Compound Removal and Water Permeance of the Polyamide Nanofiltration Membrane: Phenomenon and Molecular Insights

The polyamide (PA) nanofiltration (NF) membrane has the potential to remove endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) from water and wastewater to prevent risks to both the aquatic ecosystem and human health. However, our understanding of the EDC removal-water permeance trade-off by the PA NF membrane is still limited, although the salt selectivity-water permeance trade-off has been well illustrated. This constrains the precise design of a high-performance membrane for removing EDCs. In this study, we manipulated the PA nanostructures of NF membranes by altering piperazine (PIP) monomer concentrations during the interfacial polymerization (IP) process. The upper bound coefficient for EDC selectivity-water permeance was demonstrated to be more than two magnitudes lower than that for salt selectivity-water permeance. Such variations were derived from the different membrane-solute interactions, in which the water/EDC selectivity was determined by the combined effects of steric exclusion and the hydrophobic interaction, while the electrostatic interaction and steric exclusion played crucial roles in water/salt selectivity. We further highlighted the role of the pore number and residual groups during the transport of EDC molecules across the PA membrane via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Fewer pores decreased the transport channels, and the existence of residual groups might cause steric hindrance and dynamic disturbance to EDC transport inside the membrane. This study elucidated the trade-off phenomenon and mechanisms between EDC selectivity and water permeance, providing a theoretical reference for the precise design of PA NF membranes for effective removal of EDCs in water reuse.

Developing an Approach for Integrating Chemical Analysis and Transcriptional Changes to Assess Contaminants in Water, Sediment, and Fish

Pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments pose threats to aquatic organisms because of their continuous release and potential accumulation. Monitoring methods for these contaminants are inadequate, with targeted analyses falling short in assessing water quality's impact on biota. The present study advocates for integrated strategies combining suspect and targeted chemical analyses with molecular biomarker approaches to better understand the risks posed by complex chemical mixtures to nontarget organisms. The research aimed to integrate chemical analysis and transcriptome changes in fathead minnows to prioritize contaminants, assess their effects, and apply this strategy in Wascana Creek, Canada. Analysis revealed higher pharmaceutical concentrations downstream of a wastewater-treatment plant, with clozapine being the most abundant in fathead minnows, showing notable bioavailability from water and sediment sources. Considering the importance of bioaccumulation factor and biota-sediment accumulation factor in risk assessment, these coefficients were calculated based on field data collected during spring, summer, and fall seasons in 2021. Bioaccumulation was classified as very bioaccumulative with values >5000 L kg-1, suggesting the ability of pharmaceuticals to accumulate in aquatic organisms. The study highlighted the intricate relationship between nutrient availability, water quality, and key pathways affected by pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and rubber components. Prioritization of these chemicals was done through suspect analysis, supported by identifying perturbed pathways (specifically signaling and cellular processes) using transcriptomic analysis in exposed fish. This strategy not only aids in environmental risk assessment but also serves as a practical model for other watersheds, streamlining risk-assessment processes to identify environmental hazards and work toward reducing risks from contaminants of emerging concern. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-22. © 2024 SETAC.

Naphthalimide functionalized metal-organic framework for rapid and nanomolar level detection of hydrazine and anti-hypertensive drug nicardipine

The increasing utilization of hydrazine and its derivatives across diverse sectors highlights the pressing need for efficient detection methods to safeguard human health and the environment. Likewise, nicardipine, a widely used medication for heart diseases, necessitates accurate sensing techniques for clinical research and therapeutic monitoring. Here, we propose a novel approach using a naphthalimide-functionalized Zr-MOF as a fluorometric probe capable of detecting both hydrazine and nicardipine in aqueous medium. Our designed probe exhibited a significant 31-fold increase in fluorescence intensity upon interaction with hydrazine. At the same time, nicardipine induced 86% fluorescence quenching with an exceptionally rapid response time (100 s for hydrazine and 5 s for nicardipine). The designed probe has the ability to detect both analytes at nanomolar concentrations (LOD for hydrazine is 1.11 nM while that for nicardipine is 9.6 nM). Investigation across various wastewater samples and pH conditions further validated its practical utility. The mechanism behind fluorometric sensing of nicardipine was thoroughly investigated using modern instrumentation. Our study presents a versatile and effective approach for detecting hydrazine and nicardipine, addressing crucial needs in both industrial and biomedical contexts.

Temperature-dependent toxicity of fluoxetine alters the thermal plasticity of marine diatoms

Anthropogenic activities have led to the emergence of pharmaceutical pollution in marine ecosystems, posing a significant threat to biodiversity in conjunction with global climate change. While the ecotoxicity of human drugs on aquatic organisms is increasingly recognized, their interactions with environmental factors, such as temperature, remain understudied. This research investigates the physiological effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine, on two diatom species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira weissflogii. Results demonstrate that fluoxetine significantly reduces growth rate and biomass production, concurrently affecting pigment contents and the thermal performance curve (TPC) of the diatoms. Fluoxetine reduces the synthesis of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and carotenoid (Car), indicating inhibition of photosynthesis and photoprotection. Furthermore, fluoxetine decreases the maximum growth rate (μmax) while increasing the optimum temperature (Topt) in both species, suggesting an altered thermal plasticity. This shift is attributed to the observed decrease in the inhibition rate of fluoxetine with rising temperatures. These findings emphasize the physiological impacts and ecological implications of fluoxetine on phytoplankton and underscore the significance of considering interactions between multiple environmental drivers when accessing the ecotoxicity of potential pollutants. The present study provides insights into crucial considerations for evaluating the impacts of pharmaceutical pollution on marine primary producers.

Alternating water sources to minimize contaminant accumulation in food plants from treated wastewater irrigation

The use of treated wastewater (TWW) for agricultural irrigation is a critical measure in advancing sustainable water management and agricultural production. However, TWW irrigation in agriculture serves as a conduit to introduce many contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) into the soil-plant-food continuum, posing potential environmental and human health risks. Currently, there are few practical options to mitigate the potential risk while promoting the safe reuse of TWW. In this greenhouse study, the accumulation of 11 commonly occurring CECs was evaluated in three vegetables (radish, lettuce, and tomato) subjected to two different irrigation schemes: whole-season irrigation with CEC-spiked water (FULL), and half-season irrigation with CEC-spiked water, followed by irrigation with clean water for the remaining season (HALF). Significant decreases (57.0-99.8 %, p < 0.05) in the accumulation of meprobamate, carbamazepine, PFBS, PFBA, and PFHxA in edible tissues were found for the HALF treatment with the alternating irrigation scheme. The CEC accumulation reduction was attributed to reduced chemical input, soil degradation, plant metabolism, and plant growth dilution. The structural equation modeling showed that this mitigation strategy was particularly effective for CECs with a high bioaccumulation potential and short half-life in soil, while less effective for those that are more persistent. The study findings demonstrate the effectiveness of this simple and on-farm applicable management strategy that can be used to minimize the potential contamination of food crops from the use of TWW and other marginal water sources in agriculture, while promoting safe reuse and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Tracking Aromatic Amines from Sources to Surface Waters

This review examines the environmental occurrence and fate of aromatic amines (AAs), a group of environmental contaminants with possible carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. AAs are known to be partially responsible for the genotoxic traits of industrial wastewater (WW), and AA antioxidants are acutely toxic to some aquatic organisms. Still, there are gaps in the available data on sources, occurrence, transport, and fate in domestic WW and indoor environments, which complicate the prevention of adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems. We review key domestic sources of these compounds, including cigarette smoke and grilled protein-rich foods, and their presence indoors and in aquatic matrices. This provides a basis to evaluate the importance of nonindustrial sources to the overall environmental burden of AAs. Appropriate sampling techniques for AAs are described, including copper-phthalocyanine trisulfonate materials, XAD resins in solid-phase extraction, and solid-phase microextraction methods, which can offer insights into AA sources, transport, and fate. Further discussion is provided on potential progress in the research of AAs and their behavior in an aim to support the development of a more comprehensive understanding of their effects and potential environmental risks.

Efficient porphyrin integrated UiO-66 probes for ratiometric fluorescence sensing of antibiotic residues in milk

Dual-emissive fluorescence probes were designed by integrating porphyrin into the frameworks of UiO-66 for ratiometric fluorescence sensing of amoxicillin (AMX). Porphyrin integrated UiO-66 showed dual emission in the blue and red region. AMX resulted in the quenching of blue fluorescence component, attributable to the charge neutralization and hydrogen bonds induced energy transfer. AMX was detected using (F438/F654) as output signals. Two linear relationships were observed (from 10 to 1000 nM and 1 to 100 µM), with a limit of detection of 27 nM. The porphyrin integrated UiO-66 probe was used to detect AMX in practical samples. This work widens the road for the development of dual/multiple emissive fluorescence sensors for analytical applications, providing materials and theoretical supporting for food, environmental, and human safety.

Amended Vegetation Filters as Nature-Based Solutions for the Treatment of Pharmaceuticals: Infiltration Experiments Coupled to Reactive Transport Modelling

In small populations and scattered communities, wastewater treatment through vegetation filters (VFs), a nature-based solution, has proved to be feasible, especially for nutrient and organic matter removal. However, the presence of pharmaceuticals in wastewater and their potential to infiltrate through the vadose zone and reach groundwater is a drawback in the evaluation of VF performances. Soil amended with readily labile carbon sources, such as woodchips, enhances microbial activity and sorption processes, which could improve pharmaceutical attenuation in VFs. The present study aims to assess if woodchip amendments to a VF's soil are able to abate concentrations of selected pharmaceuticals in the infiltrating water by quantitatively describing the occurring processes through reactive transport modelling. Thus, a column experiment using soil collected from an operating VF and poplar woodchips was conducted, alongside a column containing only soil used as reference. The pharmaceuticals acetaminophen, naproxen, atenolol, caffeine, carbamazepine, ketoprofen and sulfamethoxazole were applied daily to the column inlet, mimicking a real irrigation pattern and periodically measured in the effluent. Ketoprofen was the only injected pharmaceutical that reached the column outlet of both systems within the experimental timeframe. The absence of acetaminophen, atenolol, caffeine, carbamazepine, naproxen and sulfamethoxazole in both column outlets indicates that they were attenuated even without woodchips. However, the presence of 10,11-epoxy carbamazepine and atenolol acid as transformation products (TPs) suggests that incomplete degradation also occurs and that the effect of the amendment on the infiltration of TPs is compound-specific. Modelling allowed us to generate breakthrough curves of ketoprofen in both columns and to obtain transport parameters during infiltration. Woodchip-amended columns exhibited Kd and μw values from one to two orders of magnitude higher compared to soil column. This augmentation of sorption and biodegradation processes significantly enhanced the removal of ketoprofen to over 96%.

High-entropy-based nano-materials for sustainable environmental applications

High entropy materials (HEMs), epitomized by high entropy alloys (HEAs), have sparked immense interest for a range of clean energy and environmental applications due to their remarkable structural versatility and adjustable characteristics. In the face of environmental challenges, HEMs have emerged as valuable tools for addressing issues ranging from wastewater remediation to energy conversion and storage. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of HEMs, spotlighting their catalytic capabilities in diverse redox reactions, such as carbon dioxide reduction to value-added products, degradation of organic pollutants, oxygen reduction, hydrogen evolution, and ammonia decomposition using electrocatalytic and photocatalytic pathways. Additionally, the review highlights HEMs as novel electrode nanomaterials, with the potential to enhance the performance of batteries and supercapacitors. Their unique features, including high capacitance, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability, make them valuable components for meeting crucial energy demands. Furthermore, the review examines challenges and opportunities in advancing HEMs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms governing their catalytic and electrochemical behaviors. Essential considerations for optimizing the HEM performance in catalysis and energy storage are outlined to guide future research. Moreover, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current research landscape, a meticulous bibliometric analysis is presented, offering insights into the trends, focal points, and emerging directions within the realm of HEMs, particularly in addressing environmental concerns.

Use of micropollutant indicator ratios to characterize wastewater treatment plant efficiency and to identify wastewater impact on groundwater

Contamination by wastewater has been traditionally assessed by measuring faecal coliforms, such as E. coli and entereococci. However, using micropollutants to track wastewater input is gaining interest. In this study, we identified nine micropollutant indicators that could be used to characterize water quality and wastewater treatment efficiency in pond-based wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of varying configuration. Of 232 micropollutants tested, nine micropollutants were detected in treated wastewater at concentrations and frequencies suitable to be considered as indicators for treated wastewater. The nine indicators were then classified as stable (carbamazepine, sucralose, benzotriazole, 4+5-methylbenzotriazole), labile (atorvastatin, naproxen, galaxolide) or intermediate/uncertain (gemfibrozil, tris(chloropropyl)phosphate isomers) based on observed removals in the pond-based WWTPs and correlations between micropollutant and dissolved organic carbon removal. The utility of the selected indicators was evaluated by assessing the wastewater quality in different stages of wastewater treatment in three pond-based WWTPs, as well as selected groundwater bores near one WWTP, where treated wastewater was used to irrigate a nearby golf course. Ratios of labile to stable indicators provided insight into the treatment efficiency of different facultative and maturation ponds and highlighted the seasonal variability in treatment efficiency for some pond-based WWTPs. Additionally, indicator ratios of labile to stable indicators identified potential unintended release of untreated wastewater to groundwater, even with the presence of micropollutants in other groundwater bores related to approved reuse of treated wastewater.

Enzymatic crosslinking of lignin nanoparticles and nanocellulose in cryogels improves adsorption of pharmaceutical pollutants

Pharmaceuticals, designed for treating diseases, ironically endanger humans and aquatic ecosystems as pollutants. Adsorption-based wastewater treatment could address this problem, however, creating efficient adsorbents remains a challenge. Recent efforts have shifted towards sustainable bio-based adsorbents. Here, cryogels from lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) and lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were explored as pharmaceuticals adsorbents. An enzyme-based approach using laccase was used for crosslinking instead of fossil-based chemical modification. The impact of laccase treatment on LNPs alone produced surface-crosslinked water-insoluble LNPs with preserved morphology and a hemicellulose-rich, water-soluble LNP fraction. The water-insoluble LNPs displayed a significant increase in adsorption capacity, up to 140 % and 400 % for neutral and cationic drugs, respectively. The crosslinked cryogel prepared by one-pot incubation of LNPs, LCNF and laccase showed significantly higher adsorption capacities for various pharmaceuticals in a multi-component system than pure LCNF or unmodified cryogels. The crosslinking minimized the leaching of LNPs in water, signifying enhanced binding between LNPs and LCNF. In real wastewater, the laccase-modified cryogel displayed 8-44 % removal for cationic pharmaceuticals. Overall, laccase treatment facilitated the production of bio-based adsorbents by improving the deposition of LNPs to LCNF. Finally, this work introduces a sustainable approach for engineering adsorbents, while aligning with global sustainability goals.

The odd couple: Caffeine and microplastics. Morphological and physiological changes in Mytilus galloprovincialis

In recent years, the presence of pharmaceuticals and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems has raised concerns about their environmental impact. This study explores the combined effects of caffeine, a common pharmaceutical pollutant, and MPs on the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Caffeine, at concentrations of 20.0 μg L-1, and MPs (1 mg L-1, 35-50 μm size range), was used to mimic real-world exposure scenarios. Two hundred M. galloprovincialis specimens were divided into four groups: caffeine, MPs, Mix (caffeine + MPs), and Control. After a two-week acclimation period, the mollusks were subjected to these pollutants in oxygen-aerated aquariums under controlled conditions for 14 days. Histopathological assessments were performed to evaluate gill morphology. Cellular volume regulation and digestive gland cell viability were also analyzed. Exposure to caffeine and MPs induced significant morphological changes in M. galloprovincialis gills, including cilia loss, ciliary disk damage, and cellular alterations. The chitinous rod supporting filaments also suffered damage, potentially due to MP interactions, leading to hemocyte infiltration and filament integrity compromise. Hemocytic aggregation suggested an inflammatory response to caffeine. In addition, viability assessments of digestive gland cells revealed potential damage to cell membranes and function, with impaired cell volume regulation, particularly in the Mix group, raising concerns about nutrient metabolism disruption and organ function compromise. These findings underscore the vulnerability of M. galloprovincialis to environmental pollutants and emphasize the need for monitoring and mitigation efforts. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The synergy of caffeine and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems warrants investigation. MPs and caffeine could affect gill morphology of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Caffeine-exposed cells had lower viability than the control group in the NR retention test. MPs and mix-exposed cells struggled to recover their volume.

Adsorption and leaching of fluorotelomer compounds and perfluoroalkyl acids in aqueous media by activated carbon prepared from municipal biosolids

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are ubiquitous in nature and pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Limiting PFAA exposure requires novel technology for their effective removal from water. We investigated the efficacy of biosolid-based activated carbon (Bio-SBAC) in removing frequently detected PFAAs and their precursor fluorotelomer compounds at environmentally relevant concentrations (∼50 μg/L). Batch experiments were performed to investigate adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and leachability. Bio-SBAC achieved >95% removal of fluorotelomeric compounds, indicating that the need for PFAA removal from the environment could be minimised if the precursors were targeted. Kinetic data modelling suggested that chemisorption is the dominant PFAA adsorption mechanism. As evidenced by the isotherm modelling results, Freundlich adsorption intensity, n-1, values of <1 (0.707-0.938) indicate chemisorption. Bio-SBAC showed maximum capacities for the adsorption of perfluorooctanoic acid (1429 μg/g) and perfluorononanoic acid (1111 μg/g). Batch desorption tests with 100 mg/L humic acid and 10 g/L NaCl showed that Bio-SBAC effectively retained the adsorbed PFAA with little or no leaching, except perfluorobutanoic acid. Overall, this study revealed that Bio-SBAC is a value-added material with promising characteristics for PFAA adsorption and no leachability. Additionally, it can be incorporated into biofilters to remove PFAAs from stormwater, presenting a sustainable approach to minimise biosolid disposal and improve the quality of wastewater before discharge into receiving waters.

Chronic kidney disease, dialysis and climate change

Chronic Kidney Disease is a serious public health problem and in clear relation to Climate Change and ecosystem maintenance. Renal health is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and dialysis therapy (hemodialysis and PD) has a significant environmental footprint, conditioned by energy consumption and greenhouse gas production. In the last 50 years, people have changed ecosystems faster and more extensively than in any other period in human history. It is a consequence of ever-increasing demand for food, fresh water, fuel, industry, etc. and the result has been a substantial and largely irreversible loss of the diversity of life on Earth. Since 1979, human activities have caused the extinction of 60% of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. There is an urgent need to adopt "Green Nephrology" measures by developing sustainable environmental solutions for the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases.

Photocatalytic and electrocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A in the presence of graphene/graphene oxide-based nanocatalysts: A review

Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely recognized endocrine disrupting compound, has been discovered in drinking water sources/finished water and domestic wastewater influent/effluent. Numerous studies have shown photocatalytic and electrocatalytic oxidation to be very effective for the removal of BPA, particularly in the addition of graphene/graphene oxide (GO)-based nanocatalysts. Nevertheless, the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic degradation of BPA in aqueous solutions has not been reviewed. Therefore, this review gives a comprehensive understanding of BPA degradation during photo-/electro-catalytic activity in the presence of graphene/GO-based nanocatalysts. Herein, this review evaluated the main photo-/electro-catalytic degradation mechanisms and pathways for BPA removal under various water quality/chemistry conditions (pH, background ions, natural organic matter, promotors, and scavengers), the physicochemical characteristics of various graphene/GO-based nanocatalysts, and various operating conditions (voltage and current). Additionally, the reusability/stability of graphene/GO-based nanocatalysts, hybrid systems combined with ozone/ultrasonic/Fenton oxidation, and prospective research areas are briefly described.

Synthesis and characterization of novel guar gum based waste material derived nanocomposite for effective removal of hexabromocyclododecane and lindane

Herein, efficient degradation of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and Lindane, a persistent organic pollutant using guar gum based calcium oxide doped silicon dioxide (GG-CaO@SiO2) has been reported. The nanocomposite was prepared by waste egg shell (CaO) and rice husk (SiO2) was well characterized. The maximum degradation of HBCD and Lindane were observed at 8 mg catalyst loading, neutral pH, and 2 mg L-1 of pollutant amount. The photocatalytic performance of GG-CaO@SiO2 for HBCD and Lindane photodegradation was evaluated, and it was found that the rate constant increased in the order of GG-CaO@SiO2 > CaO@SiO2 > GG. The polymeric GG-CaO@SiO2 nanocomposite showed maximum removal of both pollutants due to higher surface area (70 m2 g-1) and synergistic interactions among GG moieties. It achieved HBCD and Lindane elimination rates of 94 % and 90 % by photo-adsorptive degradation within 150 min. Meanwhile, the leaching of HBCD from expanded polystyrene (EPS) materials (0.14 ± 0.05 ppm) underwater with different time intervals and degradation of leachate HBCD were also assessed. The eradication of the pollutant manifested first-order kinetics, with the Langmuir adsorption. LC-MS analysis confirmed that GG-CaO@SiO2 effectively breaks down complex structure toxic pollutants into safer metabolites under natural sunlight exposure. The polymeric GG-CaO@SiO2 nanocomposite showed notable reusability up to ten cycle promotes sustainability.

Drought impact on pharmaceuticals in surface waters in Europe: Case study for the Rhine and Elbe basins

Hydrological droughts are expected to increase in frequency and severity in many regions due to climate change. Over the last two decades, several droughts occurred in Europe, including the 2018-drought, which showed major adverse impacts for nature and different sectoral uses (e.g. irrigation, drinking water). While drought impacts on water quantity are well studied, little understanding exists on the impacts on water quality, particularly regarding pharmaceutical concentrations in surface waters. This study investigates the impact of the 2018-drought on concentrations of four selected pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole, diclofenac and metoprolol) in surface waters in Europe, with a major focus on the Elbe and Rhine rivers. Monitoring data were analysed for the period of 2010-2020 to estimate the spatiotemporal patterns of pharmaceuticals and assess the concentration responses in rivers during the 2018-drought compared to reference years. Our results indicate an overall deterioration in water quality, which can be attributed to the extremely low flow and higher water temperatures (∼ + 1.5 °C and + 2.0 °C in Elbe and Rhine, respectively) during the 2018-drought. Our results show an increase in the concentrations of carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole, and metoprolol, but reduced concentrations of diclofenac during the 2018-drought. Significant increases in carbamazepine concentrations (+45 %) were observed at 3/6 monitoring stations in the upstream part of the Elbe, which was mainly attributed to less dilution of chemical loads from wastewater treatment plants under drought conditions. However, reduced diclofenac concentrations could be attributed to increased degradation processes under higher water temperatures (R2 = 0.60). Moreover, the rainfed-dominated Elbe exhibited more severe water quality deterioration than the snowmelt-dominated Rhine river, as the Elbe's reduction in dilution capacity was larger. Our findings highlight the need to account for the impacts of climate change and associated increases in droughts in water quality management plans, to improve the provision of water of good quality for ecosystems and sectoral needs.

High resolution mass spectrometry-based screening for the comprehensive investigation of organic micropollutants in surface water and wastewater from Pasto city, Colombian Andean highlands

The complexity of the aquatic environment scenario, including the impact of urban wastewater, together with the huge number of potential hazardous compounds that may be present in waters, makes the comprehensive characterization of the samples an analytical challenge, particularly in relation to the presence of organic micropollutants (OMPs). Nowadays, the potential of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for wide-scope screening in environmental samples is out of question. Considering the physicochemical characteristics of OMPs, the coupling of liquid (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) to HRMS is mandatory. In this work, we have explored the combined use of LC and GC coupled to Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (QTOF MS) for screening of surface water and wastewater samples from Pasto (Nariño), a town of the Colombian Andean highlands (average altitude 2527 m), located in an important agricultural area. The upper basin of the Pasto River is impacted by phytosanitary products used in different crops, whereas the domestic wastewater is directly discharged into the river without any treatment, enhancing the anthropogenic impact on the water quality. The OMP searching was made by target (standards available) and suspect (without standards) approaches, using home-made databases containing >2000 compounds. Up to 15 pesticides (7 insecticides, 6 fungicides and 2 herbicides) were identified in the sampling point of the Pasto River up to the town, while no pharmaceuticals were found at this site, illustrating the impact of agriculture practices. On the contrary, 14 pharmaceuticals (7 antibiotics and 3 analgesics, among others) were found in river samples collected in the middle and down to the town sites, revealing the impact of the urban population. Interestingly, some transformation products, including metabolites, such as carbofuran-3-hydroxy and 4-acetylamino antipyrine were identified in the screening. Based on these data, future monitoring will apply target quantitative LC-MS/MS methods for the most relevant compounds identified.

From nano- to macroarchitectures: designing and constructing MOF-derived porous materials for persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes

Persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes (PS-AOPs) have gained significant attention as an effective approach for the elimination of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in water treatment. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives are regarded as promising catalysts for activating peroxydisulfate (PDS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) due to their tunable and diverse structure and composition. By the rational nanoarchitectured design of MOF-derived nanomaterials, the excellent performance and customized functions can be achieved. However, the intrinsic fine powder form and agglomeration ability of MOF-derived nanomaterials have limited their practical engineering application. Recently, a great deal of effort has been put into shaping MOFs into macroscopic objects without sacrificing the performance. This review presents recent advances in the design and synthetic strategies of MOF-derived nano- and macroarchitectures for PS-AOPs to degrade EOCs. Firstly, the strategies of preparing MOF-derived diverse nanoarchitectures including hierarchically porous, hollow, yolk-shell, and multi-shell structures are comprehensively summarized. Subsequently, the approaches of manufacturing MOF-based macroarchitectures are introduced in detail. Moreover, the PS-AOP application and mechanisms of MOF-derived nano- and macromaterials as catalysts to eliminate EOCs are discussed. Finally, the prospects and challenges of MOF-derived materials in PS-AOPs are discussed. This work will hopefully guide the design and development of MOF-derived porous materials in SR-AOPs.

Ecological and human health risk assessment of pharmaceutical compounds in the Sirsa River of Indian Himalayas

The Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) region of Indian Himalayas is one of the most important pharmaceutical industrial clusters in Asia. This study investigated the distribution, and ecological and human health risks of four most frequently used pharmaceuticals [ciprofloxacin (CIP), norfloxacin (NOR), cetirizine (CTZ) and citalopram oxalate (ECP)] when co-occurring with metal ions in the Sirsa river water of the BBN region. The concentration range of the selected pharmaceuticals was between 'not detected' to 50 μgL-1 with some exception for CIP (50-100 μgL-1) and CTZ (100-150 μgL-1) in locations directly receiving wastewater discharges. A significant correlation was found between the occurrences of NOR and Al (r2 = 0.65; p = 0.01), and CTZ and K (r2 = 0.50; p = 0.01) and Mg (r2 = 0.50; p = 0.01). A high-level ecological risk [risk quotient (RQ) > 1] was observed for algae from all the pharmaceuticals. A medium-level risk (RQ = 0.01-0.1) was observed for Daphnia from CIP, NOR and ECP, and a high-level risk from CTZ. A low-level risk was observed for fishes from CIP and NOR, whereas CTZ and ECP posed a high-level risk to fishes. The overall risk to ecological receptors was in the order: CTZ > CIP > ECP > NOR. Samples from the river locations receiving water from municipal drains or situated near landfill and pharmaceutical factories exhibited RQ > 1 for all pharmaceuticals. The average hazard quotient (HQ) values for the compounds followed the order: CTZ (0.18) > ECP (0.15) > NOR (0.001) > CIP (0.0003) for children (0-6 years); ECP (0.49) > CTZ (0.29) > NOR (0.005) > CIP (0.001) for children (7-17 years), and ECP (0.34) > CTZ (0.21) > NOR (0.007) > CIP (0.001) for adults (>17 years). The calculated risk values did not readily confirm the status of water as safe or unsafe because the values of predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) would depend on various other environmental factors such as quality of the toxicity data, and species sensitivity and distribution, which warrants further research.

Removal of Erythromycin from Water by Ibuprofen-Driven Pre-Organized Divinyl Sulfone Cross-Linked Dextrin

Water recycling and reuse are cornerstones of water management, which can be compromised by the presence of pollutants. Among these, pharmaceuticals can overcome standard water treatments and require sophisticated approaches to remove them. Sorption is an economically viable alternative limited by the need for sorbents with a sorption coefficient (Kd) higher than 500 L/kg. The cross-linking of dextrin (Dx) with divinyl sulfone (DVS) in the presence of 1 mmol or 5 mmol of ibuprofen (IBU) yields the insoluble polymers pDx1 and pDx5 with improved affinity for IBU and high selectivity towards erythromycin (ERY) and ERY Kd higher than 4 × 103 L/kg, when tested against a cocktail of six drugs. Characterization of the polymers shows that both pDx1 and pDx5 have similar properties, fast sorption kinetics, and ERY Kd of 13.3 × 103 for pDx1 and 6.4 × 103 for pDx5, representing 26.6 and 12.0 times the 500 L/kg threshold. The fact that new affinities and improvements in Kd can be achieved by cross-linking Dx in the presence of other molecules that promote pre-organization expands the applications of DVS cross-linked polysaccharides as sustainable, scalable, and environmentally friendly sorbents with a potential application in wastewater treatment plants (WTPs).

Molecularly imprinted ratiometric fluorescence sensor for visual detection of 17β-estradiol in milk: A generalized strategy toward imprinted ratiometric fluorescence construction

17β-Estradiol (E2) is the typical endocrine disruptor of steroidal estrogens and is widely used in animal husbandry and dairy processing. In the environment, even lower concentrations of E2 can cause endocrine dysfunction in organisms. Herein, we have developed a novel molecularly imprinted ratiometric fluorescent sensor based on SiO2-coated CdTe quantum dots (CdTe@SiO2) and 7-hydroxycoumarin with a post-imprint mixing strategy. The sensor selectively detected E2 in aqueous environments due to its two fluorescent signals with a self-correction function. The sensor has been successfully used for spiking a wide range of real water and milk samples. The results showed that the sensor exhibited good linearity over the concentration range 0.011-50 μg/L, obtaining satisfactory recoveries of 92.4-110.6% with precisions (RSD) < 2.5%. Moreover, this sensor obtained an ultra-low detection limit of 3.3 ng/L and a higher imprinting factor of 13.66. By using estriol (E3), as a supporting model, it was confirmed that a simple and economical ratiometric fluorescent construction strategy was provided for other hydrophobic substances.

SU-101 for the removal of pharmaceutical active compounds by the combination of adsorption/photocatalytic processes

Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) are some of the most recalcitrant water pollutants causing undesired environmental and human effects. In absence of adapted decontamination technologies, there is an urgent need to develop efficient and sustainable alternatives for water remediation. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as promising candidates for adsorbing contaminants as well as providing photoactive sites, as they possess exceptional porosity and chemical versatility. To date, the reported studies using MOFs in water remediation have been mainly focused on the removal of a single type of PhACs and rarely on the combined elimination of PhACs mixtures. Herein, the eco-friendly bismuth-based MOF, SU-101, has been originally proposed as an efficient adsorbent-photocatalyst for the elimination of a mixture of three challenging persistent PhACs, frequently detected in wastewater and surface water in ng L-1 to mg·L-1 concentrations: the antibiotic sulfamethazine (SMT), the anti-inflammatory diclofenac (DCF), and the antihypertensive atenolol (At). Adsorption experiments of the mixture revealed that SU-101 exhibited a great adsorption capacity towards At, resulting in an almost complete removal (94.1 ± 0.8% for combined adsorption) in only 5 h. Also, SU-101 demonstrated a remarkable photocatalytic activity under visible light to simultaneously degrade DCF and SMT (99.6 ± 0.4% and 89.2 ± 1.4%, respectively). In addition, MOF-contaminant interactions, the photocatalytic mechanism and degradation pathways were investigated, also assessing the toxicity of the resulting degradation products. Even further, recycling and regeneration studies were performed, demonstrating its efficient reuse for 4 consecutive cycles without further treatment, and its subsequent successful regeneration by simply washing the material with a NaCl solution.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of antineoplastic drugs at environmentally relevant concentrations after long-term exposure

Introduction

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and methotrexate (MTX) are the antineoplastic drugs most commonly used worldwide. Considered cytotoxic, these pharmaceuticals exhibit low specificity, causing damage not only to cancer cells but also to healthy cells in organisms. After being consumed and metabolized, these drugs are excreted through urine and feces, followed by wastewater treatment. However, conventional treatments do not have the capacity to completely remove these substances, risking their introduction into freshwater systems. This could pose a risk to human health even at low concentrations.

Aims

Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and mutagenicity of 5-FU and MTX at environmentally relevant concentrations after a long-term exposure, using adult male rats as an experimental model.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (70 days old) were distributed into 4 groups (n = 10/group): control, received only vehicle; MTX, received methotrexate at 10ngL-1; 5-FU received 5-fluorouracil at 10ngL-1; and MTX + 5-FU, received a combination of MTX and 5-FU at 10ngL-1 each. The period of exposure was from postnatal day (PND) 70 to PND 160, through drinking water. After that, the animals were euthanized and the samples (liver, testis, femoral bone marrow, and peripheral blood) were obtained.

Results

Increased DNA fragmentation was observed in the peripheral blood, liver, and testis, altering the parameters of the tail moment and tail intensity in the Comet assay. Besides, the change in the ratio between PCE and NCE indicates bone marrow suppression.

Conclusion

These findings warn the adverse effects for the general population worldwide chronically exposed to these drugs at trace concentration unintentionally.

Presence of pharmaceutical contaminants of emerging concerns in two rivers of western Cuba and their relationship with the extracellular enzymatic activity of microbial communities

In recent years, the concern derived from the presence of emerging contaminants in the environment and the possible effects on the One Health trilogy has increased. This study determined the concentration of pharmaceutical contaminants of emerging concern and their relationship with the extracellular enzymatic activity of microbial communities from two rivers in western Cuba. Two sampling stations were analyzed; one in the Almendares River (urban) and the other in the San Juan River (rural), taking into account the pollution sources that arrive at these stations and previous physicochemical characterizations. Extracellular protease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lipase, and catalase activities in water and sediments were determined and correlated with contaminants of emerging concern determined by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. This study evidenced the presence of different pharmaceutical contaminants found in the categories of antihypertensives, stimulants, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics in both rivers. Concentrations of contaminants of emerging concern were greater in the Almendares River compared to the San Juan River. In addition, through the canonical redundancy analysis, the influence of these contaminants on the extracellular enzymatic activities of microbial communities was documented, where in most cases they inhibit protease, phosphatase, and lipase activities and enhance catalase activity in response to oxidative stress. The present investigation constitutes the first report in Cuba of the presence of pharmaceutical contaminants of emerging concern and one of the few works that exist in the Latin American region.