The global commercialization and consumption of allopathic medicines have increased significantly. These pharmaceuticals, when ingested by organisms, generate by-products that, upon excretion, may interact with the environment, leading to numerous consequences that can alter flora and fauna at various levels. This study aims to consolidate findings from the past decade, highlighting the potential effects of pharmaceuticals and their by-products on biosystems when discharged into water systems without proper treatment, particularly within the Brazilian context. A review of articles from the last 10 years was conducted to identify regions in Brazil affected by pharmaceutical contamination. The review focused on the environmental impact and potential threats to aquatic biodiversity and public health. Many pharmaceuticals and their by-products have shown adverse effects even at low concentrations. However, a wide range of drugs whose effects and impacts on various biosystems are not yet fully understood. In Brazil, where freshwater availability is abundant, pharmaceutical contamination poses a growing threat to aquatic biodiversity and public health. The study underscores the importance of implementing effective mitigation policies and actions to address this problem.

Keywords: Pharmaceuticals; Emerging Contaminants; Water Systems; Environmental Impacts; Mitigation;