Pharmaceutical Pollutants and Microbial Communities in Freshwater vs Marine Ecosystems

Abstract

Introduction: Increased use of pharmaceutical products results in the release of large quantities of these compounds into the environment. This has become a serious concern, especially in the aquatic ecosystem. Wastewater treatment plant, sewage discharge, improper disposal of medicines, agricultural runoff, livestock production and hospital wastes are the major sources of these compounds in the river and oceans. Antibiotics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and psychotropic drugs are the most commonly detected pharmaceutical products in the aquatic ecosystem. Microorganisms play an important role in nutrient cycling, primary production and breakdown of organic matter in aquatic ecosystems. Pharmaceuticals in the aquatic ecosystems affect the health of the ecosystem. Method: This review compares the effects of pollutants on freshwater and marine microbial communities and shows how they respond differently. It also compares the impact of different types of pharmaceuticals on freshwater and marine microbial communities. Results: The Presence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic ecosystem reduces microbial diversity and disrupts the functioning of microbial communities, which leads to an imbalance in nutrient cycling, primary productivity and often the development of antibiotic resistance. However, the impact of pharmaceuticals is slightly different on freshwater and marine microbial communities. Interestingly, freshwater microbial communities experience more serious impacts. They often lose species that are important to the functioning of the ecosystem. On the other hand, marine microbial communities are generally more resilient because they are more diverse and have developed different adaptive strategies. Discussion: The increasing presence of pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic environments poses a significant threat to ecosystem health. These compounds can alter microbial diversity and disrupt their functional activities. Freshwater microbial communities tend to exhibit lower stability, whereas marine communities are relatively more resilient due to differences in environmental conditions, higher microbial diversity, and adaptive mechanisms. Future research should focus on developing effective strategies for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants to reduce their impact on aquatic ecosystems and minimize the risk of water contamination.