Ibuprofen, one of the most widely used drugs in the world, is known for its effectiveness in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. In fact, its over-the-counter availability in many countries has made it an essential component of medicine cabinets in homes and hospitals. However, this widely consumed drug has a dark side that often goes unnoticed: its role as a persistent contaminant in water systems.
Specifically, ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain and fever. It is synthesized through chemical processes that combine organic compounds such as benzene, making it highly chemically stable.
When we consume ibuprofen, our body does not metabolize it completely. A significant portion of the drug is excreted through urine and reaches water treatment plants. In addition, improper disposal of expired or leftover medication, such as flushing it down the toilet or landfill, contributes to its presence in the environment.
The result? Ibuprofen reaches water systems through wastewater and is not completely removed by traditional treatment methods. Due to its high chemical stability and low biodegradability, traces of this drug remain in rivers, lakes and even groundwater, affecting water quality and the organisms that depend on it.
A health challenge
The presence of ibuprofen in water has serious consequences for aquatic ecosystems and human health:
– Impact on Aquatic Life. Even at very low concentrations, ibuprofen is toxic to aquatic organisms such as fish, amphibians and crustaceans. It can affect reproductive cycles, alter the behavior of species and generate hormonal changes in aquatic fauna. This endangers biodiversity and the ecological balance of ecosystems.
-Ecosystem Alteration. Ibuprofen interferes with the biological processes of aquatic species and can accumulate in the food chain. Over time, this causes ecological imbalances that affect the ability of ecosystems to regenerate.
– Potential Human Health Risks. Although direct effects on humans are less evident, prolonged exposure to pharmaceutical micropollutants in drinking water poses potential risks. Their presence may contribute to antimicrobial resistance and affect public health in the long term.
Innovation to combat pollution
At NANOGAP, we are aware that traditional water treatment methods are not sufficient to meet this challenge. That is why we have developed an innovative solution based on our unique Metal Molecule (M-M) Technology, integrated with Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP).
Our technology tackles the problem at the root, ensuring efficient removal of ibuprofen and other persistent micropollutants. But how exactly does it work?
🔹 Hydroxyl Radical Activation. Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive species that break down complex organic compounds such as ibuprofen. Our technology catalyses the formation of these radicals, achieving more effective and faster oxidation.
🔹 Improved Charge Separation. Our M-M technology eliminates active charge recombination in photocatalytic degradation processes, avoiding energy loss. This maximizes the efficiency of AOPs and enables complete decomposition of ibuprofen into harmless by-products
🔹 Adaptation to Existing Systems. One of the great advantages of our solution is that it can be easily integrated into existing water treatment AOP plants, without the need for costly structural modifications. This makes its implementation agile and scalable.
At NANOGAP, we believe that every step towards water purification is a step towards a healthier future for people and the planet. Join us in this mission and let’s help protect our water resources for future generations.