The impacts of pharmaceuticals on biogeochemical processes and basal resources in freshwater ecosystems

As a result of human drug consumption and drug manufacturing activities, pharmaceuticals are now detected in aquatic environments globally. However, little is known about pharmaceutical effects on the health of streams and rivers. This thesis investigated the effects of environmentally-relevant concentrations of pharmaceuticals on freshwater ecosystems. Pharmaceuticals affected nutrient turnover rates, photosynthesis, respiration and ecosystem structure. The effects were generally only seen after long-term exposure, and affected functions, such as photosynthesis, rather than directly killing aquatic life. This thesis contributes to our scientific understanding of how pharmaceuticals impact aquatic ecosystems and recommends a more holistic experimental approach.