Published 2026-09-26
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Área Ambiental

Presence of pharmaceutical products in water: a systematic review for Colombia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/21456453.10346
Andrés Julián Bonilla Reyes University of the Llanos image/svg+xml
Jonny Andrés Yepes Blandón University of the Llanos image/svg+xml
Miguel Angel Navarro Ramírez University of the Llanos image/svg+xml

Contextualization: In recent decades, the increasing use and inadequate disposal of pesticides, herbicides, and Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) have raised concerns regarding their negative effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Knowledge gap: These compounds, which have already been detected in various water boides in Colombia, include human and veterinary drugs, illicit substances, cosmetics and personal hygine products. However a comprehensive national overview is currently lacking.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding the presence of PPCPs in water samples within Colombia territory was conducted using various search engines and Booleand operators.

Results and conclusions: A total of 117 different compounds were identified, with antibiotics (17.9%) and analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs (11.1%) being the two most frequently reported groups. Specifically, carbamazepine (5.2%), diclofenac (4.9%), and ibuprofen (4.6%) were the most studied compounds. The most frequently analyzed sample types were surface water (26.1%) and treated wastewater (23.9%). The findings highlight the widespread distribution of these contaminants across different aquatic matrices and underscore the urgent need to establish specific regulations for their monitoring and control. This review provides a scientific basis for the environmental risk management associated with PPCPs and for the formulation of public policies aimed at protecting water quality in Colombia.

keywords: Emerging contaminants, pharmaceutical residues, aquatic contamination, wastewater, ecological risk
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How to Cite

Bonilla Reyes, A. J., Yepes Blandón, J. A., & Navarro Ramírez, M. A. (2026). Presence of pharmaceutical products in water: a systematic review for Colombia. Revista De Investigación Agraria Y Ambiental, 17(2), 247-283. https://doi.org/10.22490/21456453.10346
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