Abstract

As prescription pharmaceuticals increasingly infiltrate agricultural systems, their unmonitored presence in produce products raises critical concerns about environmental contamination and human health risks. Using a mixed methods approach, combining a literature review and anonymous survey, the presence, fate, and transport of PCs in produce products, potential health effects, and consumer knowledge and perspectives were evaluated. It was found that the presence of PCs spanned across all classes of PCs and were present in locations among all types of environmental media, especially those used for agricultural production. Water contamination was shown as the primary source of transport that led to the contamination of produce products. Uptake of PCs via contaminated water has the potential to enter plant systems through the roots and translocate to any portion of the plant. Health risk was not imminent, however, consumer knowledge and concern increased when provided with currently available literature. Current methods of limiting PC exposure are not effective against the eradication of

PCs due to the occurrence of contamination inside of a plant’s vascular system. Government agencies should use this research to inform policies on regulation concerning the presence of pharmaceuticals in produce products and consumer education.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 2025

Mentor

Ashlee Davis

Mentor Department Affiliation

Environmental Health Science

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Environmental Health Science

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

#6277

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