Improper disposal of common medications like pain relievers, antibiotics and antidepressants can contaminate Canada's freshwater. As use of these pharmaceuticals increase, so does water contamination-creating both environmental and public health concerns.
That's why Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) PhD 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.
Environmental Applied Science and Management PhD student Joseph Aladekoyi researches the impact of pharmaceutical chemicals and other contaminants of emerging concern on freshwater ecosystems in Canada.
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, which harms both human and environmental health.
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
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.
Read his research, "Accumulation of antibiotics in the environment: Have appropriate measures been taken to protect Canadian human and ecological health?", in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.
