According to research by scientists from the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical University of Warsaw and the Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences of the University of Szczecin, active substances derived from pharmaceuticals accumulate in the bottom sediments of rivers and lakes, where they biodegrade very slowly. Their concentration increases over time, threatening many living organisms.

The active substances of drugs are not completely metabolized in the body and thus end up in the sewage system and then into the water system. Substances from veterinary drugs also get into surface and groundwater.

Scientists examined the presence of 130 pharmaceutically active compounds in sediments collected from 70 sampling sites in the mouth of the Odra River.

The highest environmental risk was observed with pseudoephedrine, clindamycin and nalidixic acid.

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004896972201539X?via%3Dihub