Inputs, Occurrence and Effects of Pharmaceuticals and Microplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems

This chapter describes the various ways that pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics are released into  freshwater ecosystems  and explores the ecological effects of these novel pollutants. The occurrence of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics in freshwater ecosystems spans the globe and reflects release from numerous sources. Within freshwater ecosystems these pollutants of emerging concern can alter community structure, ecological interactions, organism life history, ecosystem processes, and food web transfer. We conclude that there is evidence that pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics are present and affecting freshwater ecosystems, although much more research investigating their occurrence and effects is needed.