Trend in pharmaceutical effluent discharge and management using microorganisms

Abstract

Pharmaceutical waste, including emerging and non-emerging pollutants, has caused enormous harm to water bodies.•Bioremediation can be a cutting-edge solution for degrading pharmaceutical waste.•Wetlands also hold significant prospects in the treatment of pharmaceutical wastes. Recent rising population has been matched by a corresponding increase in pharmaceutical companies and products worldwide. Pharmaceutical effluents are causing unprecedented environmental pollution, risking ecosystem health and public safety. The discharge of treated or untreated wastewater is drawing attention from scientific and political communities due to its implications for climate change. Hence, a global effort is needed to enhance understanding of the impacts of pharmaceutical wastewater on soil, animals, human health, food security, biodiversity, and ecosystems. This has inspired studies on eco-friendly biotechnological and bioremediation strategies using microorganisms to address pollution challenges. Therefore, this review aims to explore the trend, consequences, and microbial roles in pharmaceutical wastewater management, discharge characteristics, and utilization.