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Potentially Toxic Elements in Pharmaceutical Industrial Effluents: A Review on Risk Assessment, Treatment, and Management for Human Health

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  • Hussein K. Okoro

    (Environmental-Analytical & Material Research Group, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria)

  • Muyiwa M. Orosun

    (Department of Physics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria)

  • Faith A. Oriade

    (Environmental-Analytical & Material Research Group, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria)

  • Tawakalit M. Momoh-Salami

    (Department of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Unit, College of Basic Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu P.O. Box 249, Nigeria)

  • Clement O. Ogunkunle

    (Department of Plant Biology, Environmental Botany Unit, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria)

  • Adewale G. Adeniyi

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria)

  • Caliphs Zvinowanda

    (Analytical-Environmental and Membrane Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa)

  • Jane C. Ngila

    (Analytical-Environmental and Membrane Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa)

Abstract

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are metallic chemicals with densities that are higher than that of water. Water pollution by PTEs due to the discharge of untreated pharmaceutical industrial effluents is a risk to human health and ecological integrity. The present review paper provides an overview of the threats to human health due to water contamination by PTEs such as lead, cobalt, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic originating from pharmaceutical industrial wastewater. This review reveals the associated advantages and shortcomings of the outmoded and the modern methods and the challenges involved in addressing the shortcomings. Additionally, due to the increasing amount of uncontrollable pharmaceutical effluents entering the ecosystem, this paper reviewed the management approach supported by the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency. Studies revealed that PTEs find their way into human bodies through different pathways, which include drinking water, edibles, and dermal vulnerability at intervals. This paper focuses on how pharmaceutical effluents can be handled and how regulations and strategies can be reinforced step by step. To preserve public health and the environment, a comprehensive study on the environmental evaluation of carcinogenic substances, particularly toxic elements and metalloids, should be supported and advocated. To protect living organisms and the welfare of consumers, efforts should be made to reduce the presence of potentially hazardous elements on land and water.

Suggested Citation

  • Hussein K. Okoro & Muyiwa M. Orosun & Faith A. Oriade & Tawakalit M. Momoh-Salami & Clement O. Ogunkunle & Adewale G. Adeniyi & Caliphs Zvinowanda & Jane C. Ngila, 2023. "Potentially Toxic Elements in Pharmaceutical Industrial Effluents: A Review on Risk Assessment, Treatment, and Management for Human Health," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:8:p:6974-:d:1128964
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    References listed on IDEAS

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