Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Pollution Studies ISSN: 3107-8419 (Online)

Authors : Dr. Radhika V. Iyer, Aarav N. Choudhury

Abstract : Pharmaceutical contaminants have emerged as an invisible threat in global water bodies due to their continuous release from multiple sources. These include improper drug disposal, industrial effluents, excretion from medicated humans and animals, and agricultural runoff. Even at trace concentrations, these contaminants may have profound ecotoxicological effects such as endocrine disruption, behavioral changes in aquatic fauna, and the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This paper explores the principal sources, pathways, and detection methodologies of pharmaceutical pollutants and critically evaluates current and emerging treatment technologies. Furthermore, it discusses regulatory gaps and proposes sustainable mitigation strategies that encompass green chemistry, public awareness, and policy reinforcement. The paper emphasizes that a multi-pronged approach is vital for protecting aquatic ecosystems from pharmaceutical contamination.

Keywords : Pharmaceutical residues, Wastewater treatment, Endocrine disruptors, Antibiotic resistance, Ecotoxicology, Water pollution