The Presence of Antiretroviral Drugs in Crops Irrigated with Contaminated Water

Antiretroviral drugs (ARVDs) have significantly improved the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS, reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. However, the use and disposal of these drugs have led to environmental pollution of water resources, often used for irrigation purposes. Researchers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal investigated the potential risks associated with the use of contaminated water for irrigation purposes. The NRF-funded study evaluated the uptake of commonly used ARVDs in South Africa – abacavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz – from contaminated soil into different parts of crops and its subsequent accumulation in the food chain. The vegetable plants studied included beetroot, spinach, and tomato.