Effect of ibuprofen and diclofenac in surface water in Ikpoba River

SUMMARY

This study shows that all water samples collected and analyzed from the three stations of Ikpoba river were contaminated by ibuprofen and diclofenac. This could be linked to surrounding the environment, which poses great danger to humans and aquatic life. However, the continuous in flow of pharmaceutical substances into surface water can limit the potential use of a potable water supply, as it might pose a threat to human health. In this context, the above study monitored the occurrence of ibuprofen and diclofenac which were detected at wide range concentrations. results showed that the average concentration ibuprofen in Ikpoba river were higher than diclofenac, suggesting that natural attenuation processes takes place during infiltration of surface water into sub surface. Hence, measures should be put in place to provide alternative safe water supply to the community for domestic use by the regulatory agencies and awareness on environmental pharmaceuticals toxicity in surface water should be stepped up to prevent serious health challenge.