Occurrence, Risks, and Treatment of Pharmaceutical Contaminants in Malaysia’s Aquatic Systems

Edita Ayoka Kiranparahita, Nur Afiqah Rahman, John Mwangi — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are increasingly recognized as emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and adverse effects on both human health and aquatic life. In Malaysia, particularly in the state of Selangor, the rapid growth in population and healthcare demand has led to rising pharmaceutical consumption and subsequent contamination of surface water, tap water, and drinking water sources. Recent studies have detected compounds such as diclofenac, triclosan, ciprofloxacin, caffeine, and sulfamethoxazole in local water bodies, with concentrations often exceeding those reported in developed countries such as Australia and Taiwan. This trend highlights the inefficiency of conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in removing pharmaceutical residues. The persistence of these contaminants poses potential health risks, including antibiotic resistance, endocrine disruption, and long-term toxicity to aquatic organisms and humans. Current treatment technologies in Malaysia, including adsorption, bioremediation, and activated sludge systems, have shown partial removal efficiency but remain inadequate for complete elimination of PPCPs. To address this limitation, emerging research recommends integrating hybrid treatment systems that combine biological and physicochemical processes to enhance contaminant removal efficiency. The aim of this study is to assess the occurrence and distribution of pharmaceutical contaminants in Selangor’s aquatic system, evaluate their potential risks, and discuss the limitations of existing wastewater treatment technologies while proposing sustainable alternatives for improved water quality management. Overall, the findings emphasize the urgent need for policy revision, technological innovation, and stricter monitoring to safeguard public health and environmental integrity in Malaysia.

Identification of Microplastics in the Upper Cimanuk Watershed and Waste Management Analysis in Garut Regency, Indonesia

Afiefah Salsabila, Sunardi, Titin Herawati — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Cimanuk River was a vital component supporting water resources in West Java. However, further downstream, the water quality decreased due to industrial and household waste disposal. Plastic pollution was a serious issue because plastics in water degraded into microplastics, which were harmful to both ecosystems and human health. This study aimed to assess the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the Upper Cimanuk Watershed and to explore how waste management was implemented in Garut Regency. The water sampling method for microplastic analysis used non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling technique. The waste management analysis was a descriptive study using a qualitative approach. Microplastics were found in the waters of the Upper Cimanuk Watershed, with the highest abundance recorded at Station 8 (2.14 particles/liter) and the lowest at Station 1 (0.62 particles/liter). The microplastics identified were dominated by fragments (52%), black-colored particles (47%), and sizes smaller than 1 mm or small microplastics (97%). These findings reflected a high level of microplastic pollution related to human activities around the river. Waste management in Garut Regency had not met its targets, leading to plastic accumulation that could form microplastics. Improvements in facilities, community participation, and policies were needed to control pollution and protect the environment. The results of this study provided baseline data that could inform stakeholders in the Upper Cimanuk Watershed for effective watershed management planning.

Industrial and Domestic Waste Management

Occurrence, Risks, and Treatment of Pharmaceutical Contaminants in Malaysia’s Aquatic Systems

Identification of Microplastics in the Upper Cimanuk Watershed and Waste Management Analysis in Garut Regency, Indonesia