[The environmental impact of pharmaceuticals on surface waters and its estimation through drug utilisation data.]

Human use of pharmaceuticals is their primary way of entering the environment. Once consumed, pharmaceuticals are released, through urine and faeces, into wastewater and consequently into surface waters. Furthermore, veterinary use and inappropriate disposal also contribute to the accumulation of these substances in surface waters. These quantities of pharmaceuticals, although small, can cause toxic effects on aquatic flora and fauna, e.g., causing growth and reproduction problems. To estimate pharmaceutical concentration in surface waters, different data sources can be used, such as drug utilisation data, and wastewater production and filtration. Applying a method to estimate aquatic concentrations of pharmaceuticals at national level could allow the implementation of a monitoring system. to prioritize water sampling.