IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 11291: Occurrence, Fate, Effects, and Risks of Dexamethasone: Ecological Implications Post-COVID-19

IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 11291: Occurrence, Fate, Effects, and Risks of Dexamethasone: Ecological Implications Post-COVID-19 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph182111291 Authors: Ndeke Musee Lemme Prica Kebaabetswe Shepherd Tichapondwa Gosaitse Tubatsi Ntombikayise Mahaye Samuel Keeng Leareng Philiswa Nosizo Nomngongo The recent outbreak of respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has led to the widespread use of therapeutics, including dexamethasone (DEXA). DEXA, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is among the widely administered drugs used to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The global COVID-19 surge in infections, consequent increasing hospitalizations, and other DEXA applications have raised concerns on eminent adverse ecological implications to aquatic ecosystems. Here, we aim to summarize published studies on DEXA occurrence, fate, and effects on organisms in natural and engineered systems as, pre-COVID, the drug has been identified as an emerging environmental contaminant. The results demonstrated a significant reduction of DEXA in wastewater treatment plants, with a small portion, including its transformation products (TPs), being released into downstream waters. Fish and crustaceans are the most susceptible species to DEXA exposure in the parts-per-billion range, suggesting potential deleterious ecological effects. However, there are data deficits on...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research