We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Pharmaceutical and Microplastic Pollution before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Surface Water, Wastewater, and Groundwater
AI summary Read the abstract
This review found that pharmaceutical residues and microplastics are widespread contaminants in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater globally, and that the COVID-19 pandemic amplified both types of pollution, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most commonly detected plastic polymers.
Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and oil spills are the most hazardous contaminants in aquatic environments. The COVID-19 pandemic enhanced pharmaceutical and microplastic contamination in aquatic environments. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pharmaceutical and microplastic pollution on a global scale. This study assessed the results of pharmaceutical contamination in 25 countries and microplastic pollution in 13 countries. The findings show that pharmaceutical residues were detected in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater influents and effluents. In total, 43 types of pharmaceutical products were detected in 25 countries. Caffeine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, sulfamethoxazole, and carbamazepine were the most abundant. In total, 32 types of polymers were detected in 13 countries. In the case of microplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the more abundant polymers. Particles with a size of 1–2.5 mm and 2.5–5 mm accounted for half of the microplastics present in 13 countries. This study provides new evidence of the importance of emerging pollutants in aquatic environments before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More Papers Like This
Prevalence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, microplastics and co-infecting microbes in the post-COVID-19 era and its implications on antimicrobial resistance and potential endocrine disruptive effects
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how the COVID-19 pandemic increased environmental contamination from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics, all of which can promote antibiotic resistance and disrupt hormones. The surge in mask use, sanitizer disposal, and medication contributed to higher levels of these pollutants in waterways. The combination of microplastics with pharmaceutical residues creates a compounding threat where plastics can carry drug-resistant bacteria and hormone-disrupting chemicals into water supplies.
Microplastics and other emerging contaminants in the environment after COVID-19 pandemic: The need of global reconnaissance studies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how COVID-19 pandemic waste, including disposable masks, gloves, and disinfectants, has increased microplastic and chemical contamination in the environment. These contaminants enter waterways through improper disposal, wastewater plants, and surface runoff. The study calls for global monitoring to understand the full impact of pandemic-related pollution on ecosystems and human health.
Which Micropollutants in Water Environments Deserve More Attention Globally?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review analyzed which organic micropollutants in water environments deserve the most global attention based on their toxicity, occurrence frequency, and persistence. Microplastics are among the contaminants considered, alongside pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals that routinely escape conventional water treatment and accumulate in aquatic ecosystems.
Which Micropollutants in Water Environments Deserve More Attention Globally?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review analyzed which organic micropollutants in water environments deserve the most global attention based on their toxicity, occurrence frequency, and persistence. Microplastics are among the contaminants considered, alongside pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals that routinely escape conventional water treatment and accumulate in aquatic ecosystems.
Micro(nano)plastics as a vector of pharmaceuticals in aquatic ecosystem: Historical review and future trends
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics in water can absorb and carry pharmaceutical drugs, creating a combined pollution threat. When medications attach to tiny plastic particles in rivers and oceans, they may become more harmful to aquatic life and potentially to humans who consume contaminated seafood or water. The research traces how this emerging double-threat has grown since 2018 and identifies key knowledge gaps.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.