Remediation strategies of antiretroviral drugs in the aquatic environment: current trend and future perspectives

The presence of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in the aquatic environment highlights the inadequacy of traditional wastewater treatment plants in their remediation. Moreover, the fate and associated human and ecotoxicological impact of those compounds are not well established. In fact, research focusing on effective alternative treatment solutions still seems lacking. However, a growing interest in remediation techniques for pharmaceutical residues, including ARVs in wastewater, has been noticed recently. The main objective of this review is to share updated information and literature on the recent advances in wastewater treatment strategies to eliminate traces of ARVs from wastewater. Research gaps and possible ways forward for further research in the development of effective alternative treatments are well narrated in the current review. Furthermore, useful information can be derived from the highlighted biodegradation mechanisms to better understand the environmental fate of these compounds. An overview of different treatment methods is given, with particular emphasis on the removal efficiencies, reaction kinetics, degradation mechanisms, and process limitations. A summary of the environmental occurrence of ARVs is provided, as well as the status of the global HIV prevalence and antiretroviral therapy.