3.4 Sludge
In extend to our knowledge to date, only Japan, the USA, Spain, and Sweden have
been the only countries that have reported the presence of NSAIDs on sludge. In
Sweden [49] determinated the occurrence of some NSAIDs in dried sludge. NPX,
DCF, IBF, and KTP were found in concentrations of up 0.140 μg/L.
Due to the high frequency of detection and the different distribution tendencies of
NSAIDs in the aquatic environment, it is recommended that the usage pattern of
these pharmaceuticals on every country must be reported annually.
Although KTP and FNP are not among the most consumed NSAIDs, they also
have been found in concentrations of environmental relevance. Therefore, it is
important to further monitor and assess their discharges in order to reduce the
loading of these compounds to sensitive water bodies.
Overall, there is a huge knowledge gap regarding the occurrence of PCT in the
aquatic environments. Since PCT consumption throughout the world has increased,
it is important to further investigate the occurrence and fate of this pharmaceutical in
the aquatic environments.
Several studies have reported biological treatment processes are the most efficient
mechanisms for the removal of NSAIDs from wastewater. However, the high
concentrations of these drugs in surface waters indicate biodegradation is insufficient
for their completely removal from WWTPs. Therefore, the development of new
treatment techniques for the removal of NSAIDs from aquatic environments should
be addressed promptly.
Finally, little information is known about the occurrence of NSAIDs in drinking
water. Future works should stimulate research to understand the potential risk of
these contaminants in the human health.
4 Toxic Effects
Many studies have been conducted in aquatic organisms to evaluate the toxicity of
NSIADs in freshwater environments. The following section describes the toxic
concerns over NSAIDs in aquatic species (Table 4).
4.1 Diclofenac
Some studies have found DCF may lead to the alteration of hematological parameters in aquatic species. Hoeger et al. [87] demonstrated hematocrit and leucocrit
levels were significantly reduced in brown trout adults exposed to DCF. On the other
hand, Ribas et al. [88] found DCF increased red blood cells count and reduced
hemoglobin levels in trahira fed with Astyanax sp., previously inoculated with the
Introduction and Historical Findings That Focused Nonsteroidal. . .
19
In extend to our knowledge to date, only Japan, the USA, Spain, and Sweden have
been the only countries that have reported the presence of NSAIDs on sludge. In
Sweden [49] determinated the occurrence of some NSAIDs in dried sludge. NPX,
DCF, IBF, and KTP were found in concentrations of up 0.140 μg/L.
Due to the high frequency of detection and the different distribution tendencies of
NSAIDs in the aquatic environment, it is recommended that the usage pattern of
these pharmaceuticals on every country must be reported annually.
Although KTP and FNP are not among the most consumed NSAIDs, they also
have been found in concentrations of environmental relevance. Therefore, it is
important to further monitor and assess their discharges in order to reduce the
loading of these compounds to sensitive water bodies.
Overall, there is a huge knowledge gap regarding the occurrence of PCT in the
aquatic environments. Since PCT consumption throughout the world has increased,
it is important to further investigate the occurrence and fate of this pharmaceutical in
the aquatic environments.
Several studies have reported biological treatment processes are the most efficient
mechanisms for the removal of NSAIDs from wastewater. However, the high
concentrations of these drugs in surface waters indicate biodegradation is insufficient
for their completely removal from WWTPs. Therefore, the development of new
treatment techniques for the removal of NSAIDs from aquatic environments should
be addressed promptly.
Finally, little information is known about the occurrence of NSAIDs in drinking
water. Future works should stimulate research to understand the potential risk of
these contaminants in the human health.
4 Toxic Effects
Many studies have been conducted in aquatic organisms to evaluate the toxicity of
NSIADs in freshwater environments. The following section describes the toxic
concerns over NSAIDs in aquatic species (Table 4).
4.1 Diclofenac
Some studies have found DCF may lead to the alteration of hematological parameters in aquatic species. Hoeger et al. [87] demonstrated hematocrit and leucocrit
levels were significantly reduced in brown trout adults exposed to DCF. On the other
hand, Ribas et al. [88] found DCF increased red blood cells count and reduced
hemoglobin levels in trahira fed with Astyanax sp., previously inoculated with the
Introduction and Historical Findings That Focused Nonsteroidal. . .
19