Quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical emerging contaminants in water and fish samples of river Kaduna

Abstract

The presence of pharmaceutical emerging contaminants (PECs) in natural waters has drawn the attention of many Scientists worldwide. Reports on the presence of these contaminants in different water systems continue to increase over the last few decades. This provokes worry about their potential negative implications to biodiversity and humans and their accumulation over a long period of time due to their ability to biotransform and thus breaks down into metabolites that can be more bioactive than the drug itself. Additionally, they can potentially create physiological effects in humans at small doses. This research involved preliminary investigations on disposal practices of expired drugs by pharmacists within Kaduna Metropolis. Water and fish samples from river Kaduna were collected and prepared for GCMS analysis to detect the presence of PECs. Preliminary investigations on disposal practices of expired drugs by pharmacists within Kaduna metropolis revealed that about 60% of the pharmacists discard their expired products by either dumping in bin or burning; 20% reported to follow National (NAFDAC) guidelines while about 20% either refused to respond or were not aware about the disposal practices. The GC-MS results obtained for water sample revealed the presence of N-(3-methylbutyl) acetamide (335 g/L), acetic acid (81 g/L) and cyclopentaneundecanoic acid (140 g/L). Whereas in fish sample, 26-nor-5-cholesten-3-beta.-ol-25-one (400 g/kg), 1,3-benzene diol (160 g/kg), cyclopentaneundecanoic acid (170 g/kg) as well as N- (3-methylbutyl) acetamide (40 g/kg) were present. Some of the compounds found in relatively lower concentrations in the water sample were phthalic acid (27 g/L), guanidine (27 g/L), gluconic acid (17 g/L) and silver acetate (0.7 g/L) while in fish sample, hydroxylamine (3 g/kg), 1,5 heptadiene (12 g/kg) and silane (4 g/kg) were present. Most of the compounds detected are either esters, acids and alcoholic compounds. Studies on PECs in Nigeria are either ignored or limited especially in Northern part of the Country despite its occurrence in different locations and different environmental compartments with variations in concentrations. This research will create awareness and expose individuals and stakeholders to the potential negative effects of these contaminants. Pharmaceutical chemicals are very broad which include solvents, water, reactants and others. They are found in different environmental compartments. Many PECs are found in both the water and fish samples. Accumulation of these contaminants over time could be deleterious to life.