Research Proposal and Outline: Pharmaceuticals in the Environment

     For centuries chemists have been inventing synthesized organic compounds to try to mimic and increase the potency of certain plants with natural healing properties. These potent, petroleum base substitutes are considered a modern marvel in medicine, aiming at specific ailments with few unintended direct effects (side effects). However, one unintended effect of this modern “Pharmacia” is the environmental contamination that pollutes water, food, and soil. Whether it is dumped directly from the manufacturer or leached into the environment through landfills and human waste, scientists are now discovering the dangers this cocktail of pharmaceuticals are causing. Although pharmaceuticals are used to treat disease, ease suffering, and prolong the lives of many people, because of their overabundant use and improper disposal it is contaminating our water, soil, and food leading to increased sickness.

1. I.                     Pharmaceuticals in the environment

A.   types of chemicals identified in the environment

 B.  Pharmaceutical Testing

1.   Wastewater
2.   Groundwater /Soil
3.    Livestock waste

C.  How widespread

1. What is being done to prevent further contamination
2. Sewage treatment facilities

D.  How to treat contaminated mediums

1. Water
2. Soil
3. Proper disposal
4. Increasing anti-biotic resistance

 

1. II.                  Water Contamination

A.  Drinking water

B.  Wastewater

C.  Reservoir Contamination

    1) Aquatic species

    2) Effects on fish

    3) Effects on Humans

1. III.                Ground/Soil contaminationA.  Plant absorption

   B.  Earthworm absorption

   C.  Scavenger absorption

2. D.  Natural breakdown of chemicals

 

1. IV.                FoodA. Plant contamination
2. B.  Fish contamination
3. C.  Livestock contamination

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