BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRAL CHEMISTRY
RESEARCH PROPOSAL

WATER CONTAMINANTS FROM PHARMACEUTICAL AND CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES

NAME ID NO

1. Getnet Girmaw …………………………………………………….1404609

2. Yared Muhamed…………………………………………………….1403975
3. Tesfahun Getachew…………………………………………………1403593

4. Kemila Ebrahim…………………………………………………….1403840

Submitted to: Dr.Maru.D

Submission date:28/05/2017

Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

 Table of content
1. INTRODUCTION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

1.1 background of the study-------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

1.2 statement of the problem------------------------------------------------------------------------------2

1.3 Research Questions------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

1.4 Objetive of the study-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

1.4.1 General objective----------------------------------------------------------------------------4

1.4.2 Specific objectives---------------------------------------------------------------------------4

1.5 Significans of the study-------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

2. LITERATURE REVIEW---------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

2.1 the concept of water contaminants from pharmaceutical and chemical industries------------5

2.2 sources of water contaminants from pharmaceutical and chemical industries-----------------5

2.3 types of water contaminants in pharmaceutical and chemical industries-----------------------6

2.4 Impacts or effects of water pollution----------------------------------------------------------------6

3. METHODOLOGY-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

4. CONCLUSION---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

References-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Water is a vital compound for all known forms of life, characterized by its chemical
formula H2O, comprising two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It exists in three states:
solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor). Water is often referred to as the "universal
solvent" due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, which is crucial for biological
processes. Its unique properties, such as high specific heat, cohesion, adhesion, and density
variations, enable it to support ecosystems and regulate climate. Today there are many cities
worldwide facing an acute shortage of water and nearly 40 percent of the world’s food supply is
grown under irrigation and a wide variety of industrial processes depends on water(Dobriyal et
al..2014).

The environment, economic growth, and developments are all highly influenced by waterish
regional and seasonal availability, and the quality of surface and groundwater. The quality of
water is affected by human activities and is declining due to the rise of urbanization, population
growth, industrial production, climate change and other factors. The resulting water pollution is a
serious threat to the wellbeing of both the Earth and its population. This affects human right to
clean and adequate water (Young,2017).

We all know that water is very essential for existence of human beings. With the growing
population and mismanagement of water resources, scarcity of water has become a bane in India
and the rest of the world. The water is available to us from various resources. But unmindful use
of these resources has led to a water crisis. Also, with the growing industrialization and
urbanization, pollution of water has become a major problem that needs to be tackled (John
Finney,2016).

Water contaminants from pharmaceutical and chemical industries pose significant environmental
challenges. Pharmaceuticals are classified as emerging contaminants due to their persistence and
adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Major sources include urban
wastewater, agricultural runoff, and direct discharges from pharmaceutical manufacturing
facilities, which often exceed regulatory standards. Commonly detected compounds include non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and endocrine disruptors, frequently found in
surface and groundwater at concerning concentrations. The inadequacy of traditional wastewater

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treatment methods exacerbates the issue, highlighting the need for improved remediation
technologies (Willey,2016).

Water contaminants from chemical industries significantly impact aquatic ecosystems and
human health. These contaminants include heavy metals (like lead and mercury), organic
pollutants (such as benzene and PFAS), and nutrients (like nitrates from fertilizers). Industrial
facilities often discharge millions of pounds of these pollutants into waterways, with outdated
regulations failing to adequately control their release. Common sources of water pollution
include improper waste disposal, stormwater runoff, and inadequate treatment of industrial
wastewater, leading to bioaccumulation in aquatic life and potential health risks for humans(J.J.
lencher, et .al,2017).

Water contaminants from chemical industries can lead to serious health issues. Exposure to
pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and organic chemicals can result in acute effects like
infections and gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly from microbial contaminants. Long-term
exposure may cause chronic conditions including cancer, liver and kidney damage, reproductive
problems, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, contaminants can disrupt hormonal
functions and impair brain development. Emerging pollutants, like micro-plastics and
pharmaceuticals, pose further risks, highlighting the urgent need for improved water quality
management (David,2018).

1.2 Statement of the problem

The problem of water contamination from pharmaceutical and chemical industries is critical, as
effluents from these sectors introduce a range of harmful substances into aquatic environments.
Pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics and endocrine disruptors, are often inadequately removed
during wastewater treatment, leading to their accumulation in water bodies at concerning
concentrations. These contaminants pose risks such as antibiotic resistance and adverse health
effects on both humans and wild life. The challenge is exacerbated by insufficient regulatory
frameworks and the complex nature of pharmaceutical degradation, necessitating improved
management practices and innovative remediation technologies.

drugs are not completely metabolized by organisms (usually a small fraction of the active site of
drug metabolic enzymes are occupied, the half-life of drugs are limited, and drugs are
administrated in higher amounts than necessary to increase efficiency) (Coleman, 2020), the

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compounds that can cause the most damage once they are excreted and reached wastewater are
PhACs(Sobh,et.al,2014).

In recent decades, the production and consumption of pharmaceutical products have rapidly
increased with the development of medicine. Approximately 3,000 compounds are used as
pharmaceuticals, and the annual production quantity exceeds hundreds of tons (Carvalho and
Santos, 2016). Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and analgesics are the most common drugs
used around the world. Consequently, the emergence of water-soluble and pharmacologically
active organic micro pollutants or pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) has gained much
attention worldwide. Humans use a variety of these pharmaceuticals for their health in everyday
life, but large quantities of these drugs are also used as veterinary medicine on farms around the
world, to prevent and treat animal diseases and to increase economic benefits in intensive
livestock (Mona,et.al,2014).

Water contaminants from chemical industries significantly impact both human health and the
environment. Human Health Risks: Exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as heavy metals (e.g.,
mercury, lead) and endocrine disruptors (e.g., nonylphenol), can lead to serious health issues,
including cancer, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Contaminated water
sources can also contribute to the bio-accumulation of toxins in fish, posing risks to consumers.
Environmental Consequences: Chemical pollutants can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, leading to
decreased biodiversity, fish kills, and altered food webs due to toxic effects on aquatic life.
Nutrient overloading from industrial runoff may cause eutrophication, resulting in harmful algal
blooms that deplete oxygen levels and further threaten aquatic species (Howard Frumkin,2016).

Water contaminants from chemical industries can lead to serious health issues. Exposure to
pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and organic chemicals can result in acute effects like
infections and gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly from microbial contaminants1. Long-term
exposure may cause chronic conditions including cancer, liver and kidney damage, reproductive
problems, and cardiovascular diseases2. Additionally, contaminants can disrupt hormonal
functions and impair brain development. Emerging pollutants, like micro-plastics and
pharmaceuticals, pose further risks, highlighting the urgent need for improved water quality
management (Willey-interscience,2004).

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1.3 Research Questions
Therefore, this research is answers the following questions;

 What are the causes of water contamination?

 What is the impact of contaminated water with pharmaceutical and chemical industries in
human and environmental health?

1.4 Objective of the study

1.4.1 General objective
The general objective of this study is to asses water contaminants from pharmaceutical and
chemical industries and its impact in general.

1.4.2 Specific objectives

 To identify the main causes for the contamination of water.
 To identify the impact of contaminated water with pharmaceutical and
chemical industries on aquatic life human health.
 To identify the treatment method of the contaminants.

1.5 Significance of the study

Is believed that this study contributes to our understanding water contaminants and its impact on
the inhabitants.

In short, the research is expected to:

➢ create awareness about water contaminants and its impact up on the inhabitants.

➢ Create awareness about the cause of water contaminants and its effect of the dominant,

economic, social, and health of the communities and animals.

➢ Create awareness about the solution of water contaminants.

➢ Develop the attitude of the community on impacts of water contaminants specially in

pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

➢ Stimulate further research in the area.

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 the concept of water contaminants from pharmaceutical and chemical industries
Water contaminants from pharmaceutical and chemical industries pose significant risks to both
human health and the environment.

Pharmaceuticals, categorized as emerging contaminants, often enter aquatic systems through

wastewater, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal. They can disrupt ecosystems and
accumulate in food chains, leading to adverse effects on non-target organisms. Studies indicate
that conventional wastewater treatment methods are often ineffective in removing these
contaminants, allowing them to persist in water bodies at harmful concentrations (J.H. Block,
2008).

Chemical contaminants, including heavy metals and endocrine disruptors, further exacerbate the
issue. These substances can cause reproductive and neurological issues in humans and wildlife,
while also contributing to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. Comprehensive
research is essential to understand their environmental behavior and develop effective
remediation strategies (Heberer,2005).

2.2 Sources of water contaminants from pharmaceutical and chemical industries

Sources of water contaminants from pharmaceutical and chemical industries include:

Urban Domestic Effluents: Wastewater from households contains pharmaceuticals excreted by

individuals, leading to significant contamination in sewage systems (Various,2001).

Hospital Effluents: Hospitals contribute a considerable load of pharmaceuticals through patient

waste and laboratory activities, often discharging untreated or inadequately treated wastewater
into water bodies (Peter J. T. Reilly ,2000).

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Industrial processes in drug production can release various

pharmaceutical compounds directly into the environment, especially when waste management
practices are insufficient (C. Gary L. McEwen .1998).

Agricultural Runoff: Veterinary drugs used in livestock farming can enter waterways through
animal waste and runoff, contributing to contamination (Miguel A. Altieri,2002).

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Sewage Treatment Plants: These facilities are often not designed to effectively remove
pharmaceuticals, resulting in the discharge of residual contaminants into natural waters (Barbara
Pleasant,1993).

These sources collectively contribute to the growing concern over pharmaceutical pollution in
aquatic ecosystems.

2.3 Types of water contaminants in pharmaceutical and chemical industries

Water contaminants from pharmaceutical and chemical industries can be categorized into
several types:

Pharmaceuticals: These include a wide range of compounds such as antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin,
penicillin), analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen), hormones (e.g., estradiol), and
antiepileptics (e.g., carbamazepine). They often enter water systems through wastewater
treatment plants (WWTPs) that are not fully equipped to remove them, leading to their presence
in surface and groundwater at detectable levels (Merteens et al…,2000).

Heavy Metals: Commonly found contaminants include lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can
originate from industrial discharges. These metals pose significant health risks, including
neurotoxicity and carcinogenic effects (Okafor et al.,2015).

Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals that interfere with hormonal systems can lead to reproductive
and developmental issues in wildlife and humans. These include substances like nonylphenol and
various phthalates (Zwain et al.,2014).

Organic Chemicals: This category encompasses a variety of synthetic compounds used in

chemical manufacturing, which may include solvents, plasticizers, and other industrial chemicals
that can contaminate water sources through runoff or improper disposal (Buasri et al..,2012).

Microbial Contaminants: Pathogens can also be introduced through inadequately treated

wastewater, posing risks to public health and aquatic ecosystems (Mubarka et al.,2012).

2.4 Impacts or effects of water pollution

1. Impact on the drinking water supply: Poor quality of surface and groundwater has become a
threat to supplies of drinking water worldwide. the drinking water supply is more extensively

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affected by sewage influx, farces contamination, pesticides, nitrates and industrial discharges
threatening with public health risks. The increasing contamination of groundwater due to
persistent types of pollutants that are not infiltrated by the soil, is of particular relevance to
global water security WHO (2015) and EPA(2006).

2. Impact on ecosystems: The health of rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal systems as well as marine
resources is threatened worldwide by water pollution issues, such as eutrophication, toxics
(pesticides), heavy metals, acidification and siltation (Girma,2000). Their main effects are
ecosystem dysfunction, loss of biological diversity, alteration of aquatic habitats and
contamination of downstream and marine ecosystems. Ecosystem impacts are similar in polluted
aquatic ecosystems worldwide, and are particularly acute near centers of human activities

3.Impact on human health and social security: All types of water pollution are harmful to the
health of humans and animals. It damages our health immediately and after long term exposure.
Industrial waste contains many toxic compounds damage the health of aquatic animal sand those
who eat them(M. A. B. S. Rahman,2018).

Understanding these contaminants is crucial for developing effective water quality management

strategies.

• While many studies identify contaminants, fewer assess their ecological impacts through
ecotoxicological testing on various trophic levels. Your research could fill this gap by conducting
bio-assays with multiple species to evaluate the effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems.

3. METHODOLOGY
 Site Selection
Select multiple sampling sites near pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing facilities, as well
as downstream locations to assess the dispersion of contaminants.
 Sample Collection
Collect water samples using standardized protocols at regular intervals over a year to account for
seasonal variation.
 Analytical Techniques
Utilize advanced analytical techniques such as:

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• Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for detecting pharmaceuticals.

• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for volatile organic compounds.

• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for heavy metals.

 Ecotoxicological Assessment
Conduct bio-assays using model organisms (e.g., fish embryos) to evaluate the toxicity of
collected samples.

4. CONCLUSION
This research proposal aims to investigate the presence and impacts of emerging water
contaminants originating from pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Given the increasing
recognition of these contaminants as significant environmental and public health concerns, our
study is timely and essential.Prevalence of Contaminants: Preliminary literature reviews indicate
that pharmaceutical and chemical industries are substantial contributors to water pollution,
releasing a variety of contaminants into aquatic ecosystems. Our research will provide updated
data on the concentration and distribution of these substances in specific water
bodies.Environmental Impact: Emerging contaminants can have detrimental effects on aquatic
life and may disrupt ecosystems. Understanding their ecological impacts is crucial for
developing effective management strategies and regulatory policies.

Human Health Risks: The potential for human exposure to these contaminants through drinking
water and recreational activities raises significant public health concerns. This study will
contribute to a better understanding of the risks associated with contaminated water sources,
informing public health initiatives.Community Engagement: Engaging with local stakeholders
and communities is a vital aspect of this research. By raising awareness about water
contamination issues, we can foster community involvement in monitoring efforts and advocate
for cleaner practices within industries. Generally this research proposal addresses a critical
environmental issue with far-reaching implications. By investigating water contaminants from
pharmaceutical and chemical industries, we aim to contribute valuable insights that will inform
policy, enhance public health protection, and promote sustainable industrial practices. We
anticipate that the outcomes of this study serve as a foundation for ongoing research and action
in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

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 References
1.Kümmerer, K. (2009), The Role of Pharmaceuticals in Water Pollution.

2.Joshua Nizel Halder January (2015), Water Pollution and its Impact on the Human Health,

3.Daughton, C. G., Ternes, T. A. (1999). "Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the
Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?"

4. P.K. Goel February, (2006). Water Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control,

5. J. G. Crespo, et al, (2013). Chemical Water and Wastewater Treatment.

6. R. A. H. de Souza, et al,(2018).Industrial Water Pollution: Origins, Prevention, and Treatment.

7.R. Andreas Kraemer, (2001). Protecting water resource: pollution prevention.