Drugs of abuse and psychoactive pharmaceuticals in wastewater as worldwide contaminants of emerging concern: a systematic review

Abstract

The emergence of psychoactive substances in wastewater is becoming alarming. The present review puts into evidence worldwide studies on drugs of abuse and psychoactive pharmaceuticals as environmental contaminants in order to raise awareness on their ecological risks. The present systematic review was written on the PRISMA checklist. A total of 556 publications were found, 125 research publications were extracted and discussed. Psychoactive substances have been detected and quantified in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in different part of the world. These substances are newly recognized classes of environmental pollutants and are receiving considerable attention because of their environmental impacts. Their presence in WWTPs effluents can be one of the sources of pollution into streams, rivers and lakes. Despite their low concentrations, effects on wildlife or human health cannot be disregarded. Regarding removal methods, several studies published in the scientific literature have assessed the effectiveness of their removal methods from polluted waste waters. Water pollution by psychoactive substances is endemic and ecotoxicity data are not negligible. Related toxic mechanism, and removal methods for these substances are still lacking. Further research efforts need to be undertaken towards a sustainable future.

Keywords

• Drugs of abuse
• Psychoactive pharmaceuticals
• Emerging contaminants
• Wastewater
• Ecotoxicological risk