Review Article

Bioremediation of Pharmaceuticals, Pesticides, and Petrochemicals with Gomeya/Cow Dung

Table 1

Effect of some synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients on humans and fauna.

Active pharmaceutical ingredientKnown pharmacology in target organismsPotential harmful effects on nontarget organisms

FluoxetineSexual dysfunction in human as a side effectAlters estradiol levels in fish
NSAIDs like diclofenacRenal toxicity in humanRenal impairment in fish and birds and visceral gout and death of vultures
Ethinyl estradiolFeminization of males as a side effectAffecting fertility and development of fish, reptiles, and aquatic invertebrates
CytotoxicsWanted effect–anticancerReproductive toxicants and cytotoxic to fish and other aquatic species
Enrofloxacin and other antibiotics“Growth promoters” in agriculture and poultryEmergence of multidrug resistant strains of pathogenic organisms to humans
Chlorpyrifos AtrazinePesticideIncreased susceptibility to Ambystoma tigrinum viral infection and increased larval mortality