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Beta-blockers in the environment: part I. Mobility and hydrolysis study.
Joanna Maszkowska1, Stefan Stolte2, Jolanta Kumirska1
1Department of Environmental Analysis, Institute for Environmental and Human Health Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
The Science of the Total Environment
|July 10, 2014
Summary
Beta-blockers (BB) are common pharmaceuticals found in the environment. This study investigated the environmental fate of propranolol, metoprolol, and nadolol, focusing on their sorption and stability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Beta-blockers (BB) are widely used pharmaceuticals detected in environmental compartments at concentrations up to several μg L(-1).
- Limited knowledge exists regarding the environmental behavior and fate of these extensively used drugs.
- Propranolol, metoprolol, and nadolol are frequently consumed and detected in environmental samples, necessitating further study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sorption potential and elucidate sorption mechanisms of selected beta-blockers onto soil and kaolinite.
- To investigate the hydrolytic stability of these beta-blockers under laboratory conditions.
- To support the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of commonly used beta-blockers.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the mobility and hydrolytic stability of propranolol, metoprolol, and nadolol.
- Sorption studies were performed using soil and a clay mineral (kaolinite) to understand compound-matrix interactions.
- Hydrolytic stability was investigated following the OECD 111 guideline.
Main Results:
- The sorption potential and mechanisms of propranolol, metoprolol, and nadolol onto soil and kaolinite were evaluated.
- The hydrolytic stability of these three beta-blockers was determined.
- Data generated provides crucial insights into the environmental behavior of these pharmaceuticals.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the sorption and hydrolytic stability of beta-blockers is essential for assessing their environmental risks.
- This research contributes valuable data for the environmental risk assessment of widely used pharmaceutical compounds.
- Further investigation into the environmental fate of beta-blockers is warranted.
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