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ABSTRACT
Identification and quantification of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments are crucial for future research and understanding of their fate, as well as potential risks to aquatic ecology and human health. This research employed column chromatography methods to extract and analyze two pharmaceuticals (Acetaminophen, and Caffeine), from the surface water of the Ikpoba River in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, as well as the river's physicochemical parameters. The results suggested that from the two pharmaceuticals of interest, Acetaminophen was detected as having a concentration with mean values of 0.61 μg/ml, 0.62 μg/ml, and 0.76 μg/ml for Stations 1, 2, and 3 respectively which is relatively high and worrisome, to say the least, whereas caffeine was below the detectable limit in all 3 stations. There was significant dfference (p < 0.05) for all physico-chemical parameters except for air and water temperature. The physico-chemical parameters were all within the permissible limits by WHO. All heavy metals except Lead was below the permissible limit set down by WHO. The variables influencing the fate and mobility of these substances in this river's ecosystem are not completely known and will need additional research.
