Citation
(2006), "MIP", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 36 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2006.01736eab.022
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
MIP
MIP
MIP Technologies has just brought out a highly innovative way of detecting the presence of beta-blockers in water using molecularly imprinted polymers separation technology.
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A wide variety of pharmaceutical compounds have been detected at low levels (10-400 mg/L) in aquifers, sewage treatment plant effluent, and rivers in several areas of Europe, that could pose a threat to living organisms.
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Often the improper disposal of unused or expired pharmaceuticals leak out of landfills and infiltrate water supplies.
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Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that more than half of all pharmaceutical compounds consumed are excreted unchanged from the body into wastewater. These compounds can potentially survive sewage treatment systems because of their high stability against biological degradation. While the potential effects of these compounds on humans and aquatic organisms are unknown, a method of detection would be the first step in the investigation toward defining the potential risks.