A critical assessment of the photodegradation of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments: defining our current understanding and identifying knowledge gaps

摘要: This work presents a critical assessment of the state and quality knowledge around aquatic photochemistry human- veterinary-use pharmaceuticals from laboratory experiments field observations. A standardized scoring rubric was used to assess relevant studies within four categories: experimental design, laboratory-based direct indirect photolysis, field/solar photolysis. Specific metrics for each category are defined evaluate various aspects design (e.g., higher scores given more appropriate characterization light source wavelength distribution). weight evidence-style approach allowed identification strengths gaps covering three areas: first, general extent photochemical data specific classes; second, overall existing (i.e., strong versus weak); finally, trends in research these compounds, e.g. observation consistent oversights design. In general, those drugs that were most studied also had relatively good data. The experimentally at least ten times literature average total (lab combined) ≥29, considered decent quality; carbamazepine (13 studies; score 31), diclofenac (12 sulfamethoxazole (11 34), propranolol 29). Major errors reporting and/or included: lack measurement incident intensity, controls, use organic co-solvents irradiation solutions, failure consider solution pH. Consequently, number parameters likely cause inconsistent measurements photolysis rate constants quantum yields, two properties highly variable literature. Overall, provides an objective scientifically-defensible set assessing study. major recommendation is development method guideline, based on this rubric, conducting would produce reliable quantitative comparison across studies. Furthermore, emphasis should be placed dual-fate involving controlled natural sunlight, whole system fate either or artificial systems. provide accurate describing actual contribution environment.