Treating Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in Manufacturing Wastewater

Pharmaceutical medicines play a critical role in human and animal health. However, in recent years, there is growing evidence that active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are accumulating in rivers, lakes, and drinking water worldwide and impacting aquatic ecosystems. As a result, pharmaceuticals in the environment (PiE) has emerged as a global health risk according to the UN, WHO, European Commission, and World Economic Forum. 

Leading pharmaceutical manufacturers have taken steps to tackle this issue by collaborating with researchers, nonprofits, and international agencies to develop and implement new, innovative solutions across the pharmaceutical value chain. Meanwhile, governments have generally been slow to react with clear guidelines, regulations, and oversight.