ABSTRACT
The growing global population and advancements in the medical industry have increased pharmaceutical consumption and waste generation, posing significant risks to soil and ground-water resources. Detecting pharmaceutical contaminants in soil is critical, as accurate de-tection supports effective site protection and remediation. This study reviews state-of-the-art an-alytical methods for detecting pharmaceutical contamination in soils, emphasizing the trends and advancements over the past two decades. Understanding these trends is essential to accurately detect pharmaceutical contaminants in soil over time and space. Recent literature highlights the QuEChERS method coupled with LC-MS/MS as the most advanced and effective approaches for detecting pharmaceutical compounds in soil. The review outcomes also highlight the necessity for advanced detection methods to aid in environmental preservation and protect public health. Therefore, it is crucial to implement stricter pharmaceutical waste management policies, encour-aging responsible consumption and production (UN-SDG 12) and supporting the development of sustainable cities and communities (UN-SDG 11).
