Estimation of human medicine concentrations in the rivers using watershed model

Abstract

In order to assess the environmental impact of human medicines, information of their concentrations in the rivers are necessary. In the present study, the concentrations of acetaminophen and sulpyride in the 20 rivers were calculated using a watershed model (AIST-SHANEL). Then, we compared the estimated concentrations of both medicines with the measured concentrations. Further, we examined the parameters that is significant for the calculation results. The maximum concentrations of both medicines calculated by the model was lower than the predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC).