Main drugs waste generated in household and their ecotoxic potential in Tuxpan, Veracruz

Abstract

Allopathic medicines for domestic use are emerging contaminants that, when discarded incorrectly, generate negative environmental impacts. In Mexico, studies are mostly focused on hospital effluents or pharmaceutical industries, whereas domestics have been poorly addressed. In order to describe the ecotoxicity of medicines in Tuxpan, Veracruz, household surveys were applied. It was identified that the drugs are incorrectly stored and thrown away in household waste or drainage. It was also found that the population is unaware of pharmacies authorized for the collection of expired drugs, thus, encouraging the admission of drugs to ecosystems of the municipality. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid, along with antibiotics, antihypertensives and hormonal pills, were the most common in households. It was identified that pharmacological groups present in households have great ecotoxic potential on aquatic organisms and ecosystems, such as mangroves and reefs.