The Environmental and Health Impacts of Opioid Contamination in Waterways 

Presenter: Ebonnee J. Wilson

Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir

School: Springfield Technical Community College

Research Area: Biological Organisms

Session: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Auditorium, A31

ABSTRACT

 Recently there has been an increase in opioid prescriptions. Moreover the availability of illicit opioids has resulted in a dramatic rise in misuse and addiction. Research data now shows the presence of opioids in our waterways which is a serious environmental and health issue. They enter our wastewater and water bodies through pharmaceutical waste,  human excretion and improper disposal. Our traditional wastewater treatment methods cannot remove opioids and hence they persist and accumulate in aquatic organisms. Studies show that they disrupt endocrine function and behavior in fish and invertebrates. Studies also show that it alters reproductive behaviors, infertility, and abnormalities in fish offspring. Fish exposed to opioids show feminization or masculinization of reproductive organs. It also affects microbes that function in nutrient cycling and even results in developing antimicrobial resistance. It is also possible that they can enter drinking water supplies. It can affect our health by affecting our hormones and have neurocognitive effects. While in the rural communities the opioid waste enters the ground water endangering the local food systems and biodiversity. To solve this problem several methods such as activated carbon filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and bioremediation are being explored. Communities must abate the opioid epidemic by creating awareness of its misuse, by providing addiction treatment and executing stricter prescribing guidelines. We need regulated pharmaceutical disposal laws and improved wastewater treatment to remove opioids.  

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