Wetlands pharmaceutical contamination in drinking water has emerged as a critical global challenge, posing significant risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Pharmaceuticals enter water sources through household waste, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharges, persisting due to their chemical stability and resistance to conventional treatment methods. The presence of these contaminants contributes to antimicrobial resistance, endocrine disruption, and bioaccumulation, raising concerns about long-term health effects, including reproductive and metabolic disorders. This review comprehensively examines the pathways of pharmaceutical contamination, the associated human health risks, and the environmental consequences. Advanced detection techniques, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, enable precise monitoring of pharmaceutical residues, while treatment technologies, including advanced oxidation processes, membrane filtration, and activated carbon adsorption, are evaluated for their efficacy in mitigating contamination. The study also highlights critical regulatory gaps, particularly in developing regions, where pharmaceutical pollution levels often exceed global averages. To address these challenges, an integrated approach combining public education, policy reforms, and sustainable pharmaceutical practices is recommended. Strengthening wastewater treatment infrastructure, enforcing stricter regulations, and promoting green chemistry principles in pharmaceutical manufacturing are essential steps toward mitigating contamination at its source. This review provides actionable insights to guide future research, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements in safeguarding global water resources and public health.
