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Environmental Fate of Human Pharmaceuticals

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Human Pharmaceuticals in the Environment

Part of the book series: Emerging Topics in Ecotoxicology ((ETEP,volume 4))

Abstract

In recent years, environmental fate information for human pharmaceuticals has become increasingly available in the peer-reviewed literature. However, we still only have a limited understanding of the many environmental fate and transport processes affecting exposure of pharmaceuticals in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Moreover, because the physical–chemical properties of human pharmaceuticals differ from more traditional contaminants, current experimental and modeling approaches for measuring or predicting underlying fate characteristics and subsequent exposure do not necessarily work well for pharmaceuticals. Therefore, in this chapter, we discuss those factors and processes affecting the fate and transport of pharmaceuticals in the environment. We discuss the suitability of existing ’fate testing and modeling methodologies and finally develop recommendations on future research to address some of the major knowledge gaps.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK

    Alistair B. A. Boxall

  2. Pfizer Global Research and Development, Worldwide PDM, Environmental Sciences, MS: 8118A-2026, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT, 06340, USA

    Jon F. Ericson

Authors
  1. Alistair B. A. Boxall
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  2. Jon F. Ericson
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Correspondence to Jon F. Ericson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor University, 1 Bear Place, Waco, 76798, Texas, USA

    Bryan W. Brooks

  2. University of North Texas, N/A, Denton, 76203, Texas, USA

    Duane B. Huggett

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Boxall, A.B.A., Ericson, J.F. (2012). Environmental Fate of Human Pharmaceuticals. In: Brooks, B., Huggett, D. (eds) Human Pharmaceuticals in the Environment. Emerging Topics in Ecotoxicology, vol 4. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3473-3_4

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