Emerging Pharmaceutical Contaminants- Diclofenac: A Review

Abstract

Numerous studies on environmental remediation have been focused on water pollution by pharmaceuticals. Diclofenac (DCF) is regarded as an anti-inflammatory drug which is used globally. For more than 10 years now, intensive studies have shown the distribution of diclofenac in various environmental media at different concentrations worldwide. In this case, diclofenac behaviour in different environmental matrices especially soil and water were addressed, giving credence to modem remediation techniques. Toxicity issues as it concerns diclofenac in both soil and water as well as exposure to diclofenac metabolites via consumption and abiotic degradation route has also been discussed. Possible Mechanisms of dikclofenac interactions with other contaminants, ranging from interactions with metals, other inorganic and organic matter, and with other emerging contaminants and diclofenac metabolites have been duly discussed.