Pharmaceutical Interference in Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS): A Conceptual Framework for Public Health and Water Treatment Innovation

• Author(s): Oluwafeyisayo Obadimu ; Omolola Grace Ajasa ; Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata ; Olasumbo Esther Olagoke-Komolafe
• Paper ID: 1708561
• Page: 745-763
• Published Date: 31-03-2022
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 5 Issue 9 March-2022

Abstract

Pharmaceutical contaminants, especially trace antibiotics and metabolites, have emerged as a critical concern in water treatment systems, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This study presents a novel conceptual framework for understanding pharmaceutical interference in Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS), emphasizing its implications for public health and the efficacy of antimicrobial resistance mitigation. SODIS, a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable technique, relies on solar ultraviolet (UV-A) radiation and thermal action to inactivate pathogens in drinking water. However, the presence of trace pharmaceuticals introduces complex photochemical interactions that may alter its performance. This framework investigates how pharmacologically active compounds exhibit photoreactivity under solar irradiation, potentially producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) or photoproducts that may either enhance or inhibit microbial inactivation. Of particular concern is the modulation of SODIS efficacy in neutralizing antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which may persist or even proliferate due to sub-lethal exposure influenced by pharmaceutical residues. Moreover, synergistic toxicities between photodegraded pharmaceutical by-products and microbial communities are explored, potentially reshaping bacterial stress responses and resistance mechanisms. By integrating insights from environmental chemistry, microbiology, and public health, the framework proposes reformulations of SODIS methodologies—such as optimized exposure durations, wavelength enhancement, and additive catalysts (e.g., TiO?, natural photosensitizers)—to counteract pharmaceutical interference and improve disinfection outcomes. It further addresses policy implications and practical guidelines for implementing enhanced SODIS systems in underserved communities, where decentralized water treatment solutions are vital. This work advances the discourse on water sanitation by highlighting an overlooked dimension of pharmaceutical pollution, bridging gaps between water disinfection efficacy and antibiotic resistance control. The proposed framework not only contributes to sustainable development goals (SDGs) for clean water and health (SDG 6 and SDG 3) but also informs future research directions and technology adaptation strategies for improving water quality in low-resource settings.

Keywords

Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS), pharmaceutical contaminants, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, photoreactivity, reactive oxygen species, water treatment innovation, public health, synergistic toxicity, antimicrobial resistance, sustainable sanitation.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Oluwafeyisayo Obadimu , Omolola Grace Ajasa , Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata , Olasumbo Esther Olagoke-Komolafe "Pharmaceutical Interference in Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS): A Conceptual Framework for Public Health and Water Treatment Innovation" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 5 Issue 9 2022 Page 745-763

IEEE:
Oluwafeyisayo Obadimu , Omolola Grace Ajasa , Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata , Olasumbo Esther Olagoke-Komolafe "Pharmaceutical Interference in Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS): A Conceptual Framework for Public Health and Water Treatment Innovation" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 5(9)