Aqua-toxicity of Pharmaceuticals and Illicit Drugs: Planetary Boundary Interactions, Sustainability Relations, and Future Readiness—Are We Prepare to Combat the Threat?

Water pollution from pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs has long been a critical environmental issue, and the recent pandemic has intensified this problem due to significant lifestyle changes. While several studies have explored the effects of individual drugs on surface and groundwater, there remains a gap in understanding their broader impacts on planetary boundaries and sustainability assessments. This study aims to systematically review the literature on how the pandemic has influenced pharmaceutical and illicit drug contamination in surface waters, with a particular focus on its connections to planetary boundaries and sustainability. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, 19 relevant studies were selected from an initial pool of 556 articles for detailed analysis. The review identifies key interconnections between pharmaceutical and illicit drug pollution, human health risks, and planetary boundaries, with a particular focus on the implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Results reveal that human health faces significant risks from this contamination threat, underscoring the need for integrated monitoring, policy intervention, and sustainable management strategies. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs on water resources and highlights the importance of bridging scientific research with policy to mitigate long-term environmental and health risks.