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Greater regulation needed to protect freshwater environments from pharmaceutical drugs, says researcher

Increases in the production and use of pharmaceutical drugs–like antibiotics, antidepressants and pain relievers–are contributing to the contamination of Canada's freshwater resources. It's not just an environmental issue, but one that may pose risks to public health.

Pharmaceutical drugs enter the environment mainly through wastewater from industry, hospitals and homes. These chemicals can disrupt fish reproduction, development and feeding patterns. They can also build up in the food chain and promote antibiotic resistance.

That's why Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Ph.D. student Joseph Aladekoyi is studying how pharmaceuticals affect Canada's freshwater ecosystems and how the country manages this issue. His work identifies gaps in wastewater policy and offers solutions to protect Canada's water.

"There is a common misconception about Canada's water abundance, with many Canadians believing the country has unlimited freshwater resources," said Aladekoyi.

"Because only a small fraction of Canada's freshwater is actively replenished each year, overuse or pollution of this resource can lead to shortages. By improving how we manage pharmaceuticals, we can protect aquatic life from unintended exposure to chemicals, ensure cleaner water for future generations, and support sustainable waste management and responsible pharmaceutical use," he said.

Aladekoyi found that Canada's Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, helps reduce pharmaceutical pollution in freshwater. However, he says it should be expanded to screen for more pharmaceuticals.

"Canada's wastewater treatment plants were built decades ago and while they are effective at removing conventional pollutants like nutrients and metals, they were not designed to filter out pharmaceuticals effectively," said Aladekoyi.

Recommendations for preventing pollution

in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Aladekoyi recommends governments encourage pharmaceutical companies to adopt greener production methods and implement regulations that require pharmaceutical industries to treat their wastewater before release.

He also suggests strengthening medication return programs for the safe disposal of unused pharmaceuticals and expanding public education about proper medication disposal.

"Educating the public about their role in reducing pharmaceutical pollution is crucial to mitigating its impact," Aladekoyi said. "Protecting our water now makes it possible for future generations to have continued access to clean and sustainable freshwater."

Joseph Aladekoyi is a student in the Environmental Applied Science and Management program and a 2023-2024 recipient of the Geoffrey F. Bruce Fellowship in Canadian Fresh Water Policy.