A critical review of septic tanks as a pathway for active pharmaceutical ingredients to the aquatic environment – existing knowledge and future perspectives on their monitoring and management

Key Points

• To evaluate the role of septic tanks in the discharge of active pharmaceutical ingredients into aquatic environments and propose future monitoring strategies.
• Critical review of existing literature on septic tanks and their impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
• Assessment of monitoring practices for active pharmaceutical ingredients in wastewater discharges.
• Evaluation of management strategies for minimizing pharmaceutical contamination.
• Identified septic tanks as significant pathways for active pharmaceutical ingredients to aquatic ecosystems.
• Highlighted gaps in current monitoring techniques for wastewater effluents.
• Proposed recommendations for improved management practices to mitigate risks to the aquatic environment.