International Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research and Developmental Studies
E-ISSN: 2469-7811 • Impact Factor - 9.587

Chemical Transformation and Environmental Fate of Pharmaceutical Pollutant in Aquatic System

Abstract

Pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic systems undergo several abiotic and biotic transformation pathways: Photolysis (Direct & Indirect): Sunlight breaks down light-sensitive pharmaceuticals (such as specific anti-inflammatories and analgesics) either through direct photon absorption or indirectly via reactive oxygen species (ROS like hydroxyl radicals generated by natural organic matter). However, photodegradation can sometimes yield transformation products that are more toxic than the parent compound. ScienceDirect.com +1Biodegradation (Aerobic & Anaerobic): Microorganisms in water columns and sediments metabolize pharmaceutical residues. While compounds like ibuprofen and paracetamol show low persistence (half-life \(DT_{50} \le 20\text{ days}\)), others resist microbial breakdown completely. Sorption and Sediment Partitioning: Hydrophobic and ionic properties dictate how drugs bind to suspended solids and bed sediments. High sediment sorption is documented for compounds like ivermectin (\(K_{oc} = 1172\text{ L/kg}\)), diazepam, oxazepam, and carbamazepine. Incomplete Mineralization: Many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) undergo only partial transformation, retaining their core chemical structures or converting into stable metabolites that may persist longer or revert back to the parent molecule

Keywords: pharmaceutical, pollutant, chemical, transformation, aquatic

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