The Impact of Bioaccumulation of Nano-pharmaceuticals in the Aquatic Ecosystems

Review Article

Abstract

Nano-pharmaceuticals consists of various therapeutic agents produced at the nanoscale, which have higher drug delivery and better therapeutic efficacy. Their unique physicochemical properties, such as high surface-area-to-volume ratios and tunable surface functionalities, enable targeted therapies andS improved bioavailability compared to their conventional counterparts. However, the increasing production and use of these agents raise substantial concerns about their environmental fate and potential ecotoxicological impacts following their inevitable release into aquatic ecosystems. Once in the environment, nano-pharmaceuticals can persist, interact with natural organic matter, and undergo transformations that alter their bioavailability and toxicity. Evidence indicates that these nanoparticles can induce adverse effects across various trophic levels, from microorganisms and algae to invertebrates and fish, through mechanisms including oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and genotoxicity. The potential for nano-pharmaceuticals to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and undergo trophic transfer presents a plausible, yet poorly quantified, pathway for chronic human exposure through the consumption of contaminated water and seafood. This review discusses about the current evidence on the environmental pathways, ecotoxicological effects, and potential human health risks associated with nano-pharmaceuticals