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Pharmaceutical waste management through microbial bioremediation

Summary

Medicines we take are ending up in our water supplies and harming ecosystems. Instead of using expensive chemical treatments, scientists are using microorganisms like fungi and bacteria to break down pharmaceutical waste into harmless substances. This biological approach is cheaper and more environmentally friendly, though challenges remain in scaling up the technology. Additionally, designing medicines that naturally degrade after leaving the body could prevent pollution at its source.

Background

Pharmaceutical products (PPs) are essential for human health but their manufacturing and disposal pose significant environmental risks. Approximately 713 active pharmaceutical compounds and their metabolites have been detected in surface, ground, and drinking water globally. Existing physical and chemical remediation methods are costly and ineffective for pharmaceutical contaminants.

Objective

This review examines pharmaceutical contaminants in the environment, their health risks, and various microbial bioremediation techniques for their degradation. The article assesses microorganisms used in degradation, bioremediation methods, and explores sustainable green pharmacy approaches as alternatives.

Results

Multiple microorganisms including Trametes versicolor, Labrys portucalensis, and various bacterial species effectively degrade pharmaceuticals through mechanisms such as hydroxylation, oxidation, and ring fracture. Ex situ techniques like membrane bioreactors achieved over 90% removal of compounds like ibuprofen, bezafibrate, and carbamazepine. In situ techniques show promise but limited application to pharmaceutical contaminants.

Conclusion

Microbial bioremediation offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to physical and chemical methods for treating pharmaceutical waste. However, challenges including treatment time, high contaminant concentrations, and bioengineered microorganism handling require attention. Complementary green pharmacy approaches focusing on designing inherently degradable pharmaceuticals are essential for reducing environmental pharmaceutical pollution.
  • Published in:Environmental Monitoring and Assessment,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1007/s10661-025-13912-y, PMID: 40163141
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