Occurrence and potential human health risk of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water from Putrajaya (Malaysia)

Theoretical insights of the pharmaceutical compound fluoxetine in water: Role in direct photolysis and indirect photolysis by free radicals

The frequent detection of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment has led to a growing awareness, which may pose a major threat to the aquatic environment. In this study, photodegradation (direct and indirect photolysis) of two different dissociation states of fluoxetine (FLU) was investigated in water, mainly including the determination of photolytic transition states and products, and the mechanisms of indirect photodegradation with ·OH, CO3*- and NO3*. The main direct photolysis pathways are defluorination and C-C bond cleavage. In addition, the indirect photodegradation of FLU in water is mainly through the reactions with ·OH and NO3*, and the photodegradation reaction with CO3*- is relatively difficult to occur in the water environment. Our results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the phototransformation process of FLU in the water environment and assessing its potential risk.

Highly enhanced chloramphenicol adsorption performance of MIL-53-NH2(Al)-derived porous carbons modified with tannic acid

The worldwide demand for antibiotics has experienced a notable surge, propelled by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in the global healthcare sector. A prominent challenge confronting humanity is the unregulated release of antibiotic-laden wastewater into the environment, posing significant threats to public health. The adoption of affordable carbon-based adsorbents emerges as a promising strategy for mitigating the contamination of antibiotic wastewater. Here, we report the synthesis of novel porous carbons (MPC) through a direct pyrolysis of MIL-53-NH2(Al) and tannic acid (TANA) under N2 atmosphere at 800 °C for 4 h. The effect of TANA amount ratios (0%-20%, wt wt-1) on porous carbon structure and adsorption performance was investigated. Results showed that TANA modification resulted in decreased surface area (1,600 m2 g-1-949 m2 g-1) and pore volume (2.3 cm3 g-1-1.7 cm3 g-1), but supplied hydroxyl functional groups. Adsorption kinetic, intraparticle diffusion, and isotherm were examined, indicating the best fit of Elovich and Langmuir models. 10%-TANA-MPC obtained an ultrahigh adsorption capacity of 564.4 mg g-1, which was approximately 2.1 times higher than that of unmodified porous carbon. 10%-TANA-MPC could be easily recycled up to 5 times, and after reuse, this adsorbent still remained highly stable in morphology and surface area. The contribution of H bonding, pore-filling, electrostatic and π-π interactions to chloramphenicol adsorption was clarified. It is recommended that TANA-modified MIL-53-NH2(Al)-derived porous carbons act as a potential adsorbent for removal of pollutants effectively.

Occurrence and fate of pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater: Insights on ecotoxicity, health risk, and state-of-the-art removal

Pharmaceutical active compound (PhAC) residues are considered an emerging micropollutant that enters the aquatic environment and causes harmful ecotoxicity. The significant sources of PhACs in the environment include the pharmaceutical industry, hospital streams, and agricultural wastes (animal husbandry). Recent investigations demonstrated that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an important source of PhACs discharging ecosystems. Several commonly reported that PhACs are detected in a range level from ng L-1 to μg L-1 concentration in WWTP effluents. These compounds can have acute and chronic adverse impacts on natural wildlife, including flora and fauna. The approaches for PhAC removals in WWTPs include bioremediation, adsorption (e.g., biochar, chitosan, and graphene), and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Overall, adsorption and AOPs can effectively remove PhACs from wastewater aided by oxidizing radicals. Heterogeneous photocatalysis has also proved to be a sustainable solution. Bioremediation approaches such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs), constructed wetlands (CWs), and microalgal-based systems were applied to minimize pharmaceutical pollution. Noteworthy, applying MBRs has illustrated high removal efficiencies of up to 99%, promising prospective future. However, WWTPs should be combined with advanced solutions, e.g., AOPs/photodegradation, microalgae-bacteria consortia, etc., to treat and minimize their accumulation. More effective and novel technologies (e.g., new generation bioremediation) for PhAC degradation must be investigated and specially designed for a low-cost and full-scale. Investigating green and eco-friendly PhACs with advantages, e.g., low persistence, no bioaccumulation, less or non-toxicity, and environmentally friendly, is also necessary.

Southeast Asia's environmental challenges: emergence of new contaminants and advancements in testing methods

Emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastics, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, pose a major threat to both ecosystems and human health in Southeast Asia. As this region undergoes rapid industrialization and urbanization, the increasing presence of unconventional pollutants in water bodies, soil, and various organisms has become an alarming concern. This review comprehensively examines the environmental challenges posed by emerging contaminants in Southeast Asia and recent progress in toxicity testing methods. We discuss the diverse range of emerging contaminants found in Southeast Asia, shedding light on their causes and effects on ecosystems, and emphasize the need for robust toxicological testing methods. This review is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and environmental practitioners working to mitigate the impacts of emerging contaminants and secure a sustainable future for Southeast Asia.

Drinking water quality status in Malaysia: a scoping review of occurrence, human health exposure, and potential needs

BACKGROUND

Like other countries, surface water degradation in Malaysia is linked with common global issues. Although different aspects of drinking water suitability have been examined, the overall understanding of drinking water quality in Malaysia is poor.

OBJECTIVE

Hence, the present review aims to provide an understanding of drinking water (tap water, groundwater, gravity feed system) quality and its potential implications on policy, human health, and drinking water management law and identification of potential direction of future drinking water research and management needs in Malaysia.

METHODS

This study utilized a scoping review method. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews was used for search strategy. Relevant studies were screened using the selected keywords and databases.

RESULTS

A total of 26 drinking water quality studies involving tap water, groundwater, and gravity feed systems have been selected for review. These studies found that the majority of Malaysian Drinking Water and WHO Drinking Water standards have been met. High levels of Cu, Cd, Fe and Pb were attributable to galvanized plumbing and pipe material corrosion. Variation of fluoride in tap water depends on dosage planning and operational processes of the public water supply. Pollutants (nitrate and ammonia) in groundwater and gravity feed system water have been linked to agricultural practices in rural areas. Microbiological quality in tap water is associated with growing biofilms inside the pipelines while in groundwater is caused by shallow surface events. However, only eight studies have reported about the human risks of chemical pollutants in tap water.

IMPACT STATEMENT

The review discusses the state of drinking water quality in Malaysia and its impact on public health. It suggests that policymakers can use this information to improve the quality of drinking water and enforce restrictions, while also raising public awareness about the importance of safe drinking water. The study can guide future research and initiatives in Malaysia, ultimately contributing to efforts to ensure access to clean and dependable drinking water.

Toxicological effects of diclofenac on signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) as related to weakly acidic and basic water pH

The widespread use and continuous discharge of pharmaceuticals to environmental waters can lead to potential toxicity to aquatic biota. Pharmaceuticals and their metabolites are often complex organic and environmentally persistent compounds that are bioactive at low doses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of diclofenac (DCF) on the antioxidant defence system and neurotoxicity biomarkers in signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) under weakly acidic and basic conditions. Crayfish were exposed to 200 µg/L of DCF at pH 6 and 8 for 96 h and subsequently underwent the depuration phase for 96 h. Gills, hepatopancreas, and muscle were sampled after the exposure and depuration phases to assess the toxicological biomarker responses of DCF in crayfish by evaluating lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, activities of antioxidant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase. After the exposure phase, the hemolymph DCF concentration was detected one order higher at pH 6 than at pH 8. The DCF was subsequently fully eliminated from the hemolymph during the depuration phase. Our results showed that DCF caused alteration in the activities of six of the seven tested biomarkers in at least one crayfish tissue. Although exposure to DCF caused imbalances in the detoxification system on multiple tissue levels, it was regenerated to a balanced state after the depuration phase. Integrated biomarker response (IBRv2) showed that the highest toxicological response to DCF exposure was elicited in the gills, whereas the hepatopancreas was the highest-responding tissue after the depuration phase. Exposure to DCF at pH 6 caused higher toxicological effects than at pH 8; however, crayfish antioxidant mechanisms recovered more quickly at pH 6 than at pH 8 after the depuration phase. Our results showed that water pH influenced the toxicological effects of DCF, an ionisable compound in crayfish.

Thin-film nanocomposite membranes for efficient removal of emerging pharmaceutical organic contaminants from water

Membranes are receiving significant attention to remove emerging organic micropollutants (OMPs) from wastewater and natural water sources. Herein, we report the facile preparation of a novel thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane with high permeability and efficient removal of OMPs. ZnO nanoparticles were first synthesized using the co-precipitation method and functionalized with N1-(3-Trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine to make the surface rich with amine groups and then synthesized nanomaterials were covalently cross-linked into the active layer during the interfacial polymerization (IP) process. The performance of the membranes containing the cross-linked ZnO was significantly better than the non-cross-linked ZnO NPs containing membranes. Adding multiple hydrophilic groups and entities on the surface significantly decreased the contact angle (from ∼60° to 20°). SEM images confirmed the uniform presence and homogeneous distribution of the functionalized NPs throughout the entire membrane surface. Zeta potential measurements showed the modified membranes have a lower negative charge than the pristine membranes. Filtration studies revealed a significant increase in permeability ascribed to the creation of nanochannels in the membrane's active layer. The modified membranes outperformed commercial NF membranes in removing four common OMPs with rejection efficiencies of ∼30%, 64%, 60%, and 70% for Sulfamethoxazole, Amitriptyline, Omeprazole, and Loperamide HCl, respectively. The higher removal efficiency was attributed to the weakened hydrophobic interactions due to the presence of hydrophilic moieties and a stronger size exclusion effect. Moreover, the modified membranes showed high resistance to bacterial adhesion in static conditions.

Human health risk assessment of nitrate in private well waters of shallow quaternary alluvial aquifer

Excessive nitrate intake via ingestion pathway and dermal absorption exposures has adverse health impacts on human health. This study evaluated groundwater (GW) nitrate concentrations and health risks which focused on ingestion and dermal exposures to residents in Bachok District, Kelantan, Malaysia. Three hundred (300) samples of private wells were collected and it is found that the nitrate concentrations ranging between 0.11 and 64.01 mg/L NO3-N with a mean value of 10.45 ± 12.67 mg/L NO3-N. The possible health hazards of nitrate by ingestion and dermal contact were assessed using USEPA human health risk assessment model for adult males and females. It is observed that the mean Hazard Quotient (HQ) values of adult males and females were 0.305 ± 0.364 and 0.261 ± 0.330, respectively. About 7.3% (n = 10) and 4.9% (n = 8) of adult males and females had HQ values more than 1, respectively. It was also observed that the mean of HQderm was lesser than HQoral for males and females. The spatial distribution of HQ by interpolation method showed high nitrate concentrations (> 10 mg/L NO3-N) were distributed from the centre to the southern part of the study location, which identified as an agricultural area, indicating the used of nitrogenous fertilizers as the main source of GW nitrate contamination in this area. The findings of this study are valuable for establishing private well water protection measures to stop further deterioration of GW quality caused by nitrate.

CaCu3Ti4O12 Perovskite Materials for Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment

The many pollutants detected in water represent a global environmental issue. Emerging and persistent organic pollutants are particularly difficult to remove using traditional treatment methods. Electro-oxidation and sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation processes are innovative removal methods for these contaminants. These approaches rely on the generation of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals during electro-oxidation and sulfate activation, respectively. In addition, hybrid activation, in which these methods are combined, is interesting because of the synergistic effect of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals. Hybrid activation effectiveness in pollutant removal can be influenced by various factors, particularly the materials used for the anode. This review focuses on various organic pollutants. However, it focuses more on pharmaceutical pollutants, particularly paracetamol, as this is the most frequently detected emerging pollutant. It then discusses electro-oxidation, photocatalysis and sulfate radicals, highlighting their unique advantages and their performance for water treatment. It focuses on perovskite oxides as an anode material, with a particular interest in calcium copper titanate (CCTO), due to its unique properties. The review describes different CCTO synthesis techniques, modifications, and applications for water remediation.

The pit latrine paradox in low-income settings: A sanitation technology of choice or a pollution hotspot?

Pit latrines are widely promoted to improve sanitation in low-income settings, but their pollution and health risks receive cursory attention. The present narrative review presents the pit latrine paradox; (1) the pit latrine is considered a sanitation technology of choice to safeguard human health, and (2) conversely, pit latrines are pollution and health risk hotspots. Evidence shows that the pit latrine is a 'catch-all' receptacle for household disposal of hazardous waste, including; (1) medical wastes (COVID-19 PPE, pharmaceuticals, placenta, used condoms), (2) pesticides and pesticide containers, (3) menstrual hygiene wastes (e.g., sanitary pads), and (4) electronic wastes (batteries). Pit latrines serve as hotspot reservoirs that receive, harbour, and then transmit the following into the environment; (1) conventional contaminants (nitrates, phosphates, pesticides), (2) emerging contaminants (pharmaceuticals and personal care products, antibiotic resistance), and (3) indicator organisms, and human bacterial and viral pathogens, and disease vectors (rodents, houseflies, bats). As greenhouse gas emission hotspots, pit latrines contribute 3.3 to 9.4 Tg/year of methane, but this could be an under-estimation. Contaminants in pit latrines may migrate into surface water, and groundwater systems serving as drinking water sources and pose human health risks. In turn, this culminates into the pit latrine-groundwater-human continuum or connectivity, mediated via water and contaminant migration. Human health risks of pit latrines, a critique of current evidence, and current and emerging mitigation measures are presented, including isolation distance, hydraulic liners/ barriers, ecological sanitation, and the concept of a circular bioeconomy. Finally, future research directions on the epidemiology and fate of contaminants in pit latrines are presented. The pit latrine paradox is not meant to downplay pit latrines' role or promote open defaecation. Rather, it seeks to stimulate discussion and research to refine the technology to enhance its functionality while mitigating pollution and health risks.

Occurrence of endocrine disruptors in Malaysia's water systems: A scoping review

Contamination of water systems with endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is becoming a major public health concern due to their toxicity and ubiquity. The intrusion of EDCs into water sources and drinking water has been associated with various adverse health effects on humans. However, there is no comprehensive overview of the occurrence of EDCs in Malaysia's water systems. This report aims to describe the occurrence of EDCs and their locations. Literature search was conducted electronically in two databases (PubMed and Scopus). A total of 41 peer-reviewed articles published between January 2000 and May 2021 were selected. Most of the articles dealt with pharmaceuticals (16), followed by pesticides (7), hormones (7), mixed compounds (7), and plasticisers (4). Most studies (40/41) were conducted in Peninsular Malaysia, with 60.9% in the central region and almost half (48.8%) in the Selangor State. Only one study was conducted in the northern region and East Malaysia. The Langat River, the Klang River, and the Selangor River were among the most frequently studied EDC-contaminated surface waters, while the Pahang River and the Skudai River had the highest concentrations of some of the listed compounds. Most of the risk assessments resulted in a hazard quotient (HQ) and a risk quotient (RQ) < 1, indicating negligible health risk, except for ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, which had a potential human health risk (HQ_HH) > 1 in the Selangor River. An RQ > 1 for combined pharmaceuticals was found in Putrajaya tap water. Overall, this work provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence of EDCs in Malaysia's water systems. The findings from this review can be used to mitigate risks and strengthen legislation and policies for safer drinking water.

Insight into pharmaceutical and personal care products removal using constructed wetlands: A comprehensive review

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) were regarded as emerging environmental pollutants due to their ubiquitous appearance and high environmental risks. The wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) became the hub of PPCPs receiving major sources of PPCPs used by humans. Increasing concern has been focused on promoting cost-effective ways to eliminate PPCPs within WWTPs for blocking their route into the environment through effluent discharging. Among all advanced technologies, constructed wetlands (CWs) with a combination of plants, substrates, and microbes attracted attention due to their cost-effectiveness and easier maintenance during long-term operation. This study offers baseline data for risk control and future treatment by discussing the extent and dispersion of PPCPs in surface waters over the past ten years and identifying the mechanisms of PPCPs removal in CWs based on the up-to-present research, with a special focus on the contribution of sediments, vegetation, and the interactions of microorganisms. The significant role of wetland plants in the removal of PPCPs was detailed discussed in identifying the contribution of direct uptake, adsorption, phytovolatilization, and biodegradation. Meanwhile, the correlation between the physical-chemical characteristics of PPCPs, the configuration operation of wetlands, as well as the environmental conditions with PPCP removal were also further estimated. Finally, the critical issues and knowledge gaps before the real application were addressed followed by promoted future works, which are expected to provide a comprehensive foundation for study on PPCPs elimination utilizing CWs and drive to achieve large-scale applications to treat PPCPs-contaminated surface waters.

Functionalized magnetic nanostructured composites and hybrids for photocatalytic elimination of pharmaceuticals and personal care products

Due to rapid urbanization and globalization, an enormous use of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) has resulted their excessive release in water bodies leading to several environmental issues. This release into the environment takes place via household sewage, hospital effluents, manufacturing units and landfill sites etc. The pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are recently listed as emerging contaminants having many adverse effects towards aquatic life, human beings, and the whole ecosystem. The alarming threats of PPCPs demand efficient methods to cope up their hazardous impacts. The conventional wastewater remediations are not specifically designed for the removal of PPCPs and hence, they require advanced technologies and materials for their elimination to ensure water safety. Among various methods employed so far, photocatalysis is considered to be one of the most cost effective and eco-friendly method but it requires a suitable candidate as a photocatalyst. Thanks to the magnetic nanocomposites which have improved the limitations (poor stability, agglomeration, and difficult separation, etc.) of classically used nanomaterials. Magnetic nanocomposites contain at least one component having magnetic properties making their separation easy from the aqueous media after the photodegradation phenomenon. These can be further functionalized with other materials to obtain maximum advantage as photocatalyst. Few examples of such functionalized nanocomposites are inorganic material based magnetic nanocomposites, carbon based magnetic nanocomposites, biomaterial based magnetic nanocomposites, metal-organic framework based magnetic nanocomposites and polymer based magnetic nanocomposites etc. This review covers the global environmental issue of water pollution especially with respect to the PPCPs, their occurrence in aqueous environment and toxic effects on living beings. A comprehensive discussion of the recently reported functionalized magnetic nanocomposites for the photocatalytic removal of PPCPs from water is the main aim of this review. The synthetic/morphological approaches of various functionalized magnetic composites and their mechanism of action are also elaborated. The possible research challenges in the field of magnetic nanocomposites and future research directions are discussed to apply magnetic nanocomposites for wastewater treatment in near future.

Adsorption of Sodium Diclofenac in Functionalized Palygoskite Clays

The effects of acid and organo-functionalizations on the surface of Brazilian palygorskite clay was investigated, evaluating its potential in the adsorptive capacity of the drug sodium diclofenac present in wastewaters. The modifications on the clay structure were investigated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric, differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, surface area by N₂ adsorption (77.5 K) and Zeta potential. The experimental design was carried out to find the best conditions for the adsorption tests, in which concentration, mass and pH were significant. In the kinetic study, the pseudo-second-order model better described the adsorption process for acid and organo-functionalized samples. Such results indicate that the adsorption behavior probably occurs due to the phenomenon of chemisorption. Regarding the adsorption isotherms, the Langmuir model was the one that best adjusted both the experimental data of acid and the organo-functionalized samples, whose maximum adsorption capacity were 179.88 and 253.34 mg/g, respectively. This model also indicates that the sodium diclofenac is adsorbed to monolayers homogeneously through chemisorption. In general, the studied clays proved to be suitable adsorbents for the removal of sodium diclofenac.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Magnetic Carbon Nanofiber Derived from Bacterial Cellulose for the Removal of Diclofenac from Water

Engineering and synthesis of novel materials are vital for removing emerging pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals from contaminated water. In this study, a magnetic carbon nanofiber (MCF) fabricated from bacterial cellulose was tested for the adsorption of diclofenac from water. The physical and chemical properties of the synthesized adsorbent were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The characterization results showed that the MCF is a carbon nanofiber with a three-dimensional interconnect network, forming a porous material (mesopores and macropores) with a specific surface area of 222.3 m²/g. The removal of diclofenac (10 mg/L) by the MCF (0.75 g/L) was efficient (93.2%) and fast (in 20 min). According to the Langmuir isotherm model fitting, the maximum adsorption capacity of the MCF was 43.56 mg/g. Moreover, continuous adsorption of diclofenac onto MCF was investigated in a fixed-bed column, and the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 67 mg/g. The finding of this research revealed that the MCF could be a promising adsorbent used to remove diclofenac from water, while it can be easily recovered by magnetic separation.

Current perspective on veterinary drug and chemical residues in food of animal origin

The marked increase in the demand for animal protein of high quality necessitates protecting animals from infectious diseases. This requires increasing the use of veterinary therapeutics. The overuse and misuse of veterinary products can cause a risk to human health either as short-term or long-term health problems. However, the biggest problem is the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria or parasites. This is in addition to economic losses due to the discarding of polluted milk or condemnation of affected carcasses. This paper discusses three key points: possible sources of drug and chemical residues, human health problems, and the possible method of control and prevention of veterinary drug residues in animal products.

Development and Validation of Multi-Residue Method for Drugs Analysis in Human Feces by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The use of veterinary drugs in animal production is a common practice to secure animal and human health. However, residues of administrated drugs could be present in animal food products. Levels of drugs in food of animal origin are regulated within the European Union. In recent years, residues have been detected not only in food, but also in the environmental elements such as water or soil, meaning that humans are involuntarily exposed to these substances. This article presents a multiclass method for the analysis of various therapeutic groups of pharmaceuticals in human feces. Pharmaceuticals are extracted from feces with an acid extraction solvent, and after filtration the extract was analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. A limit of detection of 10 ng/g was achieved for 9 pharmaceuticals, with linearity over 0.99 and repeatability and reproducibility lower than 20%. The method was satisfactorily applied in 25 feces samples of individuals that had declared not to be under medical treatment for the last two months. Results indicate the presence of six different compounds at concentration between 10 and 456 ng/g. This preliminary study showed the involuntary exposure of human gut microbiota to active substances such as pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceuticals, hormones, plasticizers, and pesticides in drinking water

Humans are exposed to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in tap water via drinking water. Currently, most of the analytical methods used to assess a long list of EDCs in drinking water have been made available only for a single group of EDCs and their metabolites, in contrast with other environmental matrices (e.g., surface water, sediments, and biota) for which more robust methods have been developed that allow detection of multiple groups. This study reveals an analytical method of one-step solid phase extraction, incorporated together with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of multiclass EDCs (i.e., pharmaceuticals, hormones, plasticizers, and pesticides) in drinking water. Fifteen multiclass EDCs significantly varied in amount between field samples (p < 0.05), with a maximum concentration of 17.63 ng/L observed. Daily exposure via drinking water is unlikely to pose a health risk (risk quotient < 1). This method serves as an analytical protocol for tracing multiclass EDC contamination in tap water as part of a multibarrier approach to ensure safe drinking water for good health and well-being. It represents a simpler one-step alternative tool for drinking water analysis, thereby avoiding the time-consuming and expensive multi-extraction steps that are generally needed for analyzing multiclass EDCs.

Removal of pharmaceuticals from water using sewage sludge-derived biochar: A review

In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to the beneficial utilization of sewage sludge to reduce the risks associated with sludge disposal. Besides other applications of sludge, biochar produced from sludge has also been employed for the elimination of various pollutants from water. This review critically evaluates the recent progress in applications of sludge-based biochar for the adsorption of pharmaceuticals from water. The synthesis techniques of biochar production from sludge and their effects on physicochemical characteristics of produced biochar are discussed. The removal of various pharmaceuticals by sludge-based biochar are described in detail, with the emphasis on the adsorption mechanism and their reusability potential. It is evident from the literature that sludge-based biochar has demonstrated excellent potential for the adsorption of numerous pharmaceuticals from the aqueous phase. The major hurdles and issues related to the synthesis of sludge-based biochar and applications are highlighted, with reference to the adsorption of pharmaceuticals. Finally, a roadmap is suggested along with future research directions to ensure the sustainable production of biochar from sludge and its applications in water treatment.

Hazardous impact of diclofenac on mammalian system: Mitigation strategy through green remediation approach

Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug used as an analgesic. It is often detected in various environmental sources around the world and is considered as one of the emerging contaminants (ECs). This paper reviews the distribution of diclofenac at high concentrations in diverse environments and its adverse ecological impact. Recent studies observed strong evidence of the hazardous effect of diclofenac on mammals, including humans. Diclofenac could cause gastrointestinal complications, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hematotoxicity, genotoxicity, teratogenicity, bone fractures, and skin allergy in mammals even at a low concentration. Collectively, this comprehensive review relates the mode of toxicity, level of exposure, and route of administration as a unique approach for addressing the destructive consequence of diclofenac in mammalian systems. Finally, the mitigation strategy to eradicate the diclofenac toxicity through green remediation is critically discussed. This review will undoubtedly shed light on the toxic effects of pseudo-persistent diclofenac on mammals as well as frame stringent guidelines against its common usage.

Effects of environmental factors on nitrofurantoin photolysis in water and its acute toxicity assessment

Pharmaceuticals have special attention of researchers over the world due to their possible effect on the environment and humans. This paper focuses on the photolysis of nitrofurantoin in different water matrices. Nitrofurantoin photodegradation has been indicated as a pseudo-first order photoreaction. The indirect photodegradation rate of nitrofurantoin (river water, k₁ = 0.0088 min^-1 and synthetic wastewater, k₁ = 0.0154 min^-1) was slower than its direct photolysis rate (ultrapure water, k₁ = 0.0176 min^-1). The highest value of quantum yield of nitrofurantoin photodegradation (ϕ = 0.2047) was observed at pH = 4, while at higher pH-values it decreased. Furthermore, the mechanism of nitrofurantoin photodegradation is proposed. Heterocyclic ring opening and further hydrolysis, nucleophilic aromatic photosubstitution and homolytic N-N bond cleavage are suggested as three main initial processes of nitrofurantoin photodegradation. Acute toxicity study of nitrofurantoin and its photoproducts with regard to luminescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri showed that the toxic effect of nitrofurantoin (EC₅₀ = 4.0 mg L^-1) decreases by photolysis.

Predicting the Adsorption of Amoxicillin and Ibuprofen on Chitosan and Graphene Oxide Materials: A Density Functional Theory Study

The occurrence, persistence, and accumulation of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represent a new environmental problem due to their harmful effects on human and aquatic life. A suitable absorbent for a particular type of pollutant does not necessarily absorb other types of compounds, so knowing the compatibility between a particular pollutant and a potential absorbent before experimentation seems to be fundamental. In this work, the molecular interactions between some pharmaceuticals (amoxicillin, ibuprofen, and tetracycline derivatives) with two potential absorbers, chitosan and graphene oxide models (pyrene, GO-1, and coronene, GO-2), were studied using the ωB97X-D/6-311G(2d,p) level of theory. The energetic interaction order found was amoxicillin/chitosan > amoxicillin/GO-1 > amoxicillin/GO-2 > ibuprofen/chitosan > ibuprofen/GO-2 > ibuprofen/GO-1, the negative sign for the interaction energy in all complex formations confirms good compatibility, while the size of Eint between 24-34 kcal/mol indicates physisorption processes. Moreover, the free energies of complex formation were negative, confirming the spontaneity of the processes. The larger interaction of amoxicillin Gos, compared to ibuprofen Gos, is consistent with previously reported experimental results, demonstrating the exceptional predictability of these methods. The second-order perturbation theory analysis shows that the amoxicillin complexes are mainly driven by hydrogen bonds, while van der Waals interactions with chitosan and hydrophobic interactions with graphene oxides are modelled for the ibuprofen complexes. Energy decomposition analysis (EDA) shows that electrostatic energy is a major contributor to the stabilization energy in all cases. The results obtained in this work promote the use of graphene oxides and chitosan as potential adsorbents for the removal of these emerging pollutants from water.

A survey of chloramphenicol residues in aquatic products of Shenzhen, South China

Food safety is a top priority of concern for consumers. To promote growth, as well as to treat diseases which occur in aquaculture, antibiotics, even banned veterinary antibiotics, are widely used. This survey investigated the levels of chloramphenicol (CAP) by LC-MS/MS in 291 aquatic samples (all the products in this survey were local sales, exported products were not included), including shellfish, shrimp and fish, from Shenzhen, South China. The CAP concentrations in these samples (based on wet weight) were: shellfish (<LOD-205 µg kg^-1, mean: 68.8 µg kg^-1); shrimp (<LOD-2.2 µg kg^-1, mean: 0.5 µg kg^-1) and fish (<LOD-1.9 µg kg^-1, mean: 0.7 µg kg^-1). The highest concentration of CAP was found in shellfish samples (Mactra veneriformis, 205 µg kg^-1), these levels were greater than those reported in aquatic products from other locations in China. The detection rate of CAP was 37.2% in shellfish samples (64/172), 13.6% in shrimp samples (3/22) and 16.5% in fish samples (16/97). The detection rate of CAP in shellfish samples was higher than that in fish and shrimp samples, and therefore food safety in this region cannot be ignored. The results obtained from the current study indicated a high incidence of CAP in aquatic products in this region and argue for stronger market supervision and regulation in China.

In Vitro Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance Dissemination Dynamics during Multidrug-Resistant-Bacterium Invasion Events by Using a Continuous-Culture Device

Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens display significant public health threats by causing difficulties in clinical treatment of bacterial infection. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is transmissible between bacteria, significantly increasing the appearance of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and aggravating the AMR problem. In this work, the dissemination dynamics of AMR from invading multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli to a community of pathogenic Salmonella enterica was investigated using a continuous-culture device, and the behaviors of dissemination dynamics under different levels of antibiotic stress were investigated. Three MDR E. coli invasion events were analyzed in this work: MDR E. coli-S. enterica cocolonization, MDR E. coli invasion after antibiotic treatment of S. enterica, and MDR E. coli invasion before antibiotic treatment of S. enterica It was found that both horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and vertical gene transfer (VGT) play significant roles in AMR dissemination, although different processes contribute differently under different circumstances, that environmental levels of antibiotics promote AMR dissemination by enhancing HGT rather than leading to selective advantage for resistant bacteria, and that early invasion of MDR E. coli completely and quickly sabotages the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. These findings contribute to understanding the drivers of AMR dissemination under different antibiotic stresses, the detrimental impact of environmental tetracycline contamination, and the danger of nosocomial presence and dissemination of MDR nonpathogens.IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial resistance poses a grave threat to public health and reduces the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs in treating bacterial infections. Antimicrobial resistance is transmissible, either by horizontal gene transfer between bacteria or by vertical gene transfer following inheritance of genetic traits. The dissemination dynamics and behaviors of this threat, however, have not been rigorously investigated. In this work, with a continuous-culture device, we studied antimicrobial resistance dissemination processes by simulating antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli invasion to a pathogenic Salmonella enterica community. Using this novel tool, we provide evidence on the drivers of antimicrobial resistance dissemination, on the detrimental impact of environmental antibiotic contamination, and on the danger of antimicrobial resistance in hospitals, even if what harbors the antimicrobial resistance is not a pathogen. This work furthers our understanding of antimicrobial resistance and its dissemination between bacteria and of antibiotic therapy, our most powerful tool against bacterial infection.

Effective Strategies, Mechanisms, and Photocatalytic Efficiency of Semiconductor Nanomaterials Incorporating rGO for Environmental Contaminant Degradation

The water pollution problems severely affect the natural water resources due to the large disposal of dyes, heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticides. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) have been developed using semiconductor nanomaterials as photocatalysts for water treatment as an essential strategy to minimize environmental pollution. Significant research efforts have been dedicated over the past few years to enhancing the photocatalytic efficiencies of semiconductor nanomaterials. Graphene-based composites created by integrating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into various semiconductor nanomaterials enable the unique characteristics of graphene, such as the extended range of light absorption, the separation of charges, and the high capacity of adsorption of pollutants. Therefore, rGO-based composites improve the overall visible-light photocatalytic efficiency and lead to a new pathway for high-performance photocatalysts’ potential applications. This brief review illustrates the strategies of combining rGO with various semiconductor nanomaterials and focuses primarily on modification and efficiency towards environmental contaminants.

Occurrence of antibiotics in rural drinking water and related human health risk assessment

Antibiotic residues in drinking water can have a negative impact on both human and environmental health. However, drinking water purification processes employed in rural areas are often less complicated than those used in urban areas. The occurrence of antibiotic residues in rural drinking water and their potential effects on residents' health remains to be established. In this study, we measured antibiotic levels in rural drinking water using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), and evaluated the associated health risks based on Chinese population exposure parameters. Twenty-three antibiotics were detected in drinking water samples, of which fluoroquinolones and macrolides were the most common. The type and concentration of antibiotics in drinking water were affected both by the quality of the water source and by the water purification process used. The health risks associated with antibiotics in drinking water were within acceptable levels and likely to have little impact on human health. Of the antibiotics detected, salinomycin presented the greatest risk to human health. These findings can help to play a role in devising strategies to ensure drinking water safety.

Autopsy, thanatopraxy, cemeteries and crematoria as hotspots of toxic organic contaminants in the funeral industry continuum

The occurrence and health risks of toxic organic contaminants (TOCs) in the funeral industry are relatively under-studied compared to other industries. An increasing body of literature reports TOCs including emerging contaminants in the funeral industry, but comprehensive reviews of the evidence are still lacking. Hence, evidence was analysed to address the proposition that, the funeral industry constitutes several hotspot reservoirs of a wide spectrum of TOCs posing ecological and human health risks. TOCs detected include embalming products, persistent organic pollutants, synthetic pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and illicit drugs. Human cadavers, solid wastes, wastewaters and air-borne particulates from autopsy, thanatopraxy care facilities (mortuaries, funeral homes), cemeteries and crematoria are hotspots of TOCs. Ingestion of contaminated water, and aquatic and marine foods constitutes non-occupational human exposure, while occupational exposure occurs via inhalation and dermal intake. Risk factors promoting exposure to TOCs include unhygienic burial practices, poor solid waste and wastewater disposal, and weak and poorly enforced regulations. The generic health risks of TOCs are quite diverse, and include; (1) genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, teratogenicity and neurodevelopmental disorders, (2) development of antimicrobial resistance, (3) info-disruption via biomimicry, and (4) disruption of ecosystem functions and trophic interactions. Barring formaldehyde and inferential evidence, the epidemiological studies linking TOCs in the funeral industry to specific health outcomes are scarce. The reasons for the lack of evidence, and limitations of current health risk assessment protocols are discussed. A comprehensive framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation (HIRAM) in the funeral industry is proposed. The HIRAM includes regulatory, surveillance and control systems such as prevention and removal of TOCs. Future directions on the ecotoxicology of mixtures, behaviour, and health risks of TOCs are highlighted. The opportunities presented by emerging tools, including isotopic labelling, genomics, big data analytics (e.g., machine learning), and in silico techniques in toxicokinetic modelling are highlighted.

Optimizing microwave-assisted production of waste-based activated carbons for the removal of antibiotics from water

This work aimed at the microwave-assisted production of activated carbon (AC) from primary paper mill sludge (PS) for the adsorption of antibiotics from water. Production conditions, namely pyrolysis temperature, pyrolysis time and activating agent (KOH):PS ratio, were optimized as a function of product yield, specific surface area (S_BET), total organic carbon (TOC) content and adsorptive removal percentage of two target antibiotics (amoxicillin (AMX) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX)). Under the optimized conditions (pyrolysis at 800 °C during 20 min and a KOH:PS ratio of 1:5), a microporous AC (MW800-20-1:5, with S_BET = 1196 m² g^-1, TOC = 56.2% and removal of AMX and SMX = 85% and 72%, respectively) was produced and selected for further kinetic and equilibrium adsorption studies. The obtained results were properly described by the Elovich reaction-based kinetic model and the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm, with maximum adsorption capacities of 204 ± 5 mg g^-1 and 217 ± 8 mg g^-1 for AMX and SMX, respectively. Considering the satisfactory comparison of these results with the performance of commercial and alternative AC produced by conventional pyrolysis, this work demonstrated the feasibility of the microwave-assisted production of environmentally and energetically sustainable waste-based AC to be applied in the efficient removal of antibiotics from water.

Specific microbial diversity and functional gene (AOB amoA) analysis of a sponge-based aerobic nitrifying moving bed biofilm reactor exposed to typical pharmaceuticals

Four bench-scale sponge-based aerobic nitrifying moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) were used to treat municipal wastewater containing typical pharmaceuticals (1 mg/L, 2 mg/L and 5 mg/L). This preliminary research aims to investigate the effects of sulfadiazine (SDZ), ibuprofen (IBU) and carbamazepine (CBZ) on nitrification performance and explore specific microbial diversity and functional gene (Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), amoA) of MBBRs. After 90 days of operation, the MBBR without pharmaceuticals could remove up to 97.4 ± 1.5% of NH₄⁺-N while the removals of NH₄⁺-N by the MBBRs with SDZ, IBU and CBZ were all suppressed to varying degrees. Based on the Shannon and Chao 1 index, the specific microbial diversity and richness in biofilm samples increased at a range of 1 mg/L to 2 mg/L pharmaceuticals (SDZ, IBU or CBZ) and started decreasing after the pharmaceutical concentration was higher than 2 mg/L. The determination of functional gene (AOB amoA) showed that Proteobacteria was the most dominant bacteria within all biofilms with the relative abundance ranging from 24.81% to 55.32%. Furthermore, Nitrosomonas was the most numerous genus in AOB, followed by Campylobacter and Thauera, whose relative abundance shifted under the pressure of different pharmaceuticals.

Sample Preparation to Determine Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in an All-Water Matrix: Solid Phase Extraction

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are abundantly used by people, and some of them are excreted unaltered or as metabolites through urine, with the sewage being the most important source to their release to the environment. These compounds are in almost all types of water (wastewater, surface water, groundwater, etc.) at concentrations ranging from ng/L to µg/L. The isolation and concentration of the PPCPs from water achieves the appropriate sensitivity. This step is mostly based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) but also includes other approaches (dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), buckypaper, SPE using multicartridges, etc.). In this review article, we aim to discuss the procedures employed to extract PPCPs from any type of water sample prior to their determination via an instrumental analytical technique. Furthermore, we put forward not only the merits of the different methods available but also a number of inconsistencies, divergences, weaknesses and disadvantages of the procedures found in literature, as well as the systems proposed to overcome them and to improve the methodology. Environmental applications of the developed techniques are also discussed. The pressing need for new analytical innovations, emerging trends and future prospects was also considered.

Occurrence and ecological risks of pharmaceuticals in a Mediterranean river in Eastern Spain

Pharmaceuticals are biologically active molecules that may exert toxic effects to a wide range of aquatic organisms. They are considered contaminants of emerging concern due to their common presence in wastewaters and in the receiving surface waters, and the lack of specific regulations to monitor their environmental occurrence and risks. In this work, the environmental exposure and risks of pharmaceuticals have been studied in the Mijares River, Eastern Mediterranean coast (Spain). A total of 57 surface water samples from 19 sampling points were collected in three monitoring campaigns between June 2018 and February 2019. A list of 40 compounds was investigated using a quantitative target UHPLC-MS/MS method. In order to complement the data obtained, a wide-scope screening of pharmaceuticals and metabolites was also performed by UHPLC-HRMS. The ecological risks posed by the pharmaceutical mixtures were evaluated using species sensitivity distributions built with chronic toxicity data for aquatic organisms. In this study, up to 69 pharmaceuticals and 9 metabolites were identified, out of which 35 compounds were assessed using the quantitative method. The highest concentrations in water corresponded to acetaminophen, gabapentin, venlafaxine, valsartan, ciprofloxacin and diclofenac. The compounds that were found to exert the highest toxic pressure on the aquatic ecosystems were principally analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. These were: phenazone > azithromycin > diclofenac, and to a lower extent norfloxacin > ciprofloxacin > clarithromycin. The monitored pharmaceutical mixtures are expected to exert severe ecological risks in areas downstream of WWTP discharges, with the percentage of aquatic species affected ranging between 65% and 82% in 3 out of the 19 evaluated sites. In addition, five antibiotics were found to exceed antibiotic resistance thresholds, thus potentially contributing to resistance gene enrichment in environmental bacteria. This work illustrates the wide use and impact of pharmaceuticals in the area under study, and the vulnerability of surface waters if only conventional wastewater treatments are applied. Several compounds included in this study should be incorporated in future water monitoring programs to help in the development of future regulations, due to their potential risk to the aquatic environment.

Interactive effects of diclofenac and copper on bioconcentration and multiple biomarkers in crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

Diclofenac (DCF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is widespread in aquatic environments and coexists with heavy metals to form combined pollution. However, the interactive effects of DCF and heavy metals on aquatic organisms remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the interactive effects of DCF and copper (Cu) on the bioconcentration, oxidative stress status and detoxification-related gene expression in crucian carp (Carassius auratus). Fish were exposed to Cu (100 μg L^-1) and DCF (1, 10, 100 and 1000 μg L^-1) alone or in combination for 7 days. Results obtained showed that the treatment of Cu combined with high levels of DCF (100 and 1000 μg L^-1) significantly decreased tissue concentrations of DCF and Cu compared to the correspondingly individual exposure. Concerning oxidative stress status, as reflected by the activities of antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde content, low exposure concentrations of DCF (1 and 10 μg L^-1) seemed to mitigate the oxidative stress induced by Cu, whereas the co-exposure of Cu with the highest level of DCF (1000 μg L^-1) led to stronger oxidative damage in fish liver than Cu exposure alone. With regarding to detoxification-related genes, in most cases, the expressions of cyp 1a, cyp 3a, gstα, gstπ, pxr and P-gp in crucian carp were significantly altered upon exposure to the compounds in combination compared to exposure to the compounds individually. Collectively, these findings indicate the capacity of each of these pollutants to alter bioconcentration potential, pro-oxidative effects and detoxification-related gene responses of the other when both co-occur at specific concentrations.

Assessment of water contamination and health risk of endocrine disrupting chemicals in outdoor and indoor swimming pools

The occurrence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in swimming pool waters has been scarcely investigated. In this study, the concentrations of 20 EDCs (4 phenols, 6 estrogens, 4 progestogens, 5 androgens, and 1 pharmaceutical) in 40 outdoor and indoor swimming pools in Changsha, China were investigated. Out of them, two phenols (bisphenol A and 4-tert-octylphenol), three estrogens (17β-estradiol, 17ɑ-ethinlestradiol (EE2), and hexestrol), one pharmaceutical (caffeine), and two progestogens (progesterone and levonorgestrel) were detected in the collected samples. The androgens were not detected. Bisphenol A and caffeine were the dominant EDCs at concentrations of ND-23.22 ng/L and ND-39.08 ng/L, respectively. The levels of caffeine were significantly higher in indoor swimming pools (11.15 ng/L in average) than those in outdoor pools (1.90 ng/L in average) (p < 0.05), owing to the less sun's UV radiation and less use of sunscreens containing caffeine. The progestogens (progesterone and levonorgestrel) and estrogens (17β-estradiol and hexestrol) were only detected in outdoor swimming pools. The detection frequencies and concentrations of bisphenol A and caffeine in downtown pools were significantly higher than those in outskirt pools. Besides, the correlations between the concentrations of EDCs and water quality parameters evaluated by the Spearman correlation analysis implied that residual chlorine had strong oxidant capable to bisphenol A and suggested that caffeine could be a potential indicator of organic contamination in swimming pool water. Finally, a quantitative risk assessment revealed that non-athletic child and athletic adult female were vulnerable subpopulations. The EDI_total of EE2 for athletic child, non-athletic female, non-athletic male, and non-athletic child were higher than ADI_EE2 adopted by Australia and the EDI_total of EE2 for athletic female and athletic male were higher than ADI_EE2 adopted by the United States.

Public awareness level and occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water with potential health risk: A study from Kajang (Malaysia)

Studies on the occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water were conducted especially in developed countries. However, limited studies reported the occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in developing countries. Thus, this study is conducted to fill the knowledge gap of pharmaceutical residue occurrences in developing countries, particularly in Malaysia, along with public awareness level and its potential human health risk. This study investigates public awareness level of drinking water quality and pharmaceutical handling, the occurrence of nine pharmaceutical residues (amoxicillin, caffeine, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, dexamethasone, diclofenac, nitrofurazone, sulfamethoxazole, and triclosan) and potential human health risks in drinking water from Kajang (Malaysia) using commercially competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. In general, the public awareness level of Kajang population showed poor knowledge (82.02%), and less positive attitude (98.88%) with a good practice score (57.3%). Ciprofloxacin was detected at the highest concentration (0.667 ng/L) while amoxicillin was at the lowest concentration (0.001 ng/L) in drinking water from Kajang (Malaysia). Nevertheless, all the reported occurrences were lower than previous studies conducted elsewhere. There was no appreciable potential human health risk for all the pharmaceutical residues as the risk quotient (RQ) values were less than 1 (RQ < 1). The results of this study will provide authorities with quantitative knowledge and resources to improve drinking water risk management and regulation in Malaysia.

Development of a Multiresidue Method for Endocrine-Disrupting Pesticides by Solid Phase Extraction and Determination by UHPLC-MS/MS from Drinking Water Samples

A rapid and efficient method based on solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was validated, allowing the determination of the endocrine-disrupting herbicides (acetochlor, alachlor, amitrole and atrazine), fungicides (carbendazim, triadimefon, penconazole and propiconazole), and insecticides (carbaryl and carbofuran) in drinking water. Low method detection limits (0.01–0.64 ng/L) and method quantification limits (0.03–2.13 ng/L) were obtained with satisfactory recoveries and precision for the endocrine-disrupting pesticides. The method was applied for real drinking water samples collected in the area of the city of Hangzhou (Zhejiang, China); the results showed that carbendazim, atrazine and acetochlor were detected in the drinking water samples and acetochlor was the most detected analyte.

The Occurrence and Risks of Selected Emerging Pollutants in Drinking Water Source Areas in Henan, China

The occurrence of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in aqueous environments has potential effects on ecological safety and human health. Three kinds of OMPs (namely, pharmaceuticals, ultraviolet (UV) filters and organophosphate esters (OPEs)) in four drinking water source areas in Henan Province of China were analyzed, and their potential risks were evaluated. Among 48 target chemicals, 37 pollutants with total concentrations ranging from 403.0 to 1751.6 ng/L were detected in water, and 13 contaminants with total concentrations from 326.0 to 1465.4 ng/g (dry weight) were observed in sediment. The aqueous pollution levels in Jiangang Reservoir and Shahe Water Source Area were higher than that in Nanwan Reservoir and Baiguishan Reservoir, while the highest total amount of pollutants in sediment was found in Baiguishan Reservoir. Compared with pharmaceuticals and UV filters, OPEs presented higher concentrations in all investigated drinking water source areas. The highest observed concentration was triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO, 865.2 ng/L) in water and tripentyl phosphate (TPeP, 1289.8 ng/g) in sediment. Moreover, the risk quotient (RQ) analysis implies that the determined aqueous contaminants exhibited high risks to algae and invertebrates, whereas moderate risk to fish was exhibited. The health risk assessment of aqueous OMPs by means of the hazard index (HI) indicates that the risks to adults and children were negligible. These observations are expected to provide useful information for the assessment of water quality in drinking water sources in Henan, China.