GLOBAL-FATE (version 1.0.0): A geographical information system (GIS)-based model for assessing contaminants fate in the global river network

GLOBAL-FATE is the first open-source, multiplatform, user-friendly, and modular contaminant-fate model operating at the global scale linking human consumption of pharmaceutical-like compounds with their concentration in the river network. GLOBAL-FATE simulates human consumption and excretion of pharmaceuticals, the attenuation of the contaminant load in waste water treatment plants as well as the attenuation of the contaminant load in river reaches, lakes, and reservoirs as a first-order decay depending on residence time. We provide a comprehensive description of model equations and the overall structure of the model, with special attention to input–output datasets. GLOBAL-FATE is written in C, can be compiled in any platform, and uses inputs in standard geographical information system (GIS) format. Additionally, the model can be run in the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) as a plug-in. The model has no built-in working resolution, which depends on the intended use and the availability of appropriate model inputs and observed data. We exemplify the application of GLOBAL-FATE solving the global concentration of diclofenac in the river network. A comparison with a dataset of diclofenac concentration observations in rivers suggests that GLOBAL-FATE can be successfully applied in real-case modelling exercises. The model is particularly sensitive to the generation of contaminant loads by human pharmaceutical consumption and to the processes governing contaminant attenuation in the river network. GLOBAL-FATE will be a valuable tool for the scientific community and the policymaking arena and could be used to test the effectiveness of large-scale management strategies related to pharmaceutical consumption control and waste water treatment implementation and upgrading.

Prioritization of pharmaceuticals in urban rivers: the case of oral contraceptives in the Belém River basin, Curitiba / PR, Brazil

Efforts to prioritize pharmaceutical products in urban rivers are still rare in Brazil. However, European and U.S. management experiences of pharmaceuticals in urban waters show that this has been one of the first steps necessary to reduce and control this type of pollution. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the presence of oral contraceptives in the catchment area of the Belém River in Curitiba based on the different criteria normally applied to prioritization. For this, in addition to a literature review, historical data on the concentrations of contraceptive hormones in the Belém River, data on pharmaceutical consumption in the basin (collected through interviews by random sampling in pharmacies and from the database of medicines provided by the City of Curitiba Health Units), and data from interviews conducted using intentional sampling with regional stakeholders. The results show that a consistent set of criteria supporting prioritization of ethinylestradiol and estradiol already exists, while the periodic monitoring of these two hormones has proved feasible and necessary in the waters of the region.

EFFICIENCY OF PHARMACEUTICAL CONSUMPTION IN TURKEY: BENCHMARKING WITH OECD BY DEA

After 1980s, consumers begin to focus more health-conscious behaviours and attitudes including the concept of consuming pharmaceutical products. Pharmaceutical consumption attitude is a natural outcome of this trend. In this research, it is aimed to analyze Turkey’s benchmarking position among OECD countries in terms of pharmaceutical consumption efficiency. 15 OECD countries’ 5 years (2008-2012) analyzed by DEA-Malmquist TFP with the output-oriented and variable returns to scale methods. TC index shows that Turkey had created more pharmaceutical consumption and longer life expectancy by using same amount of number of physicians, number of pharmacists, total public and private health insurance expenditures and number of doctor consultations. By the way, Turkey had embraced efficiency growth with the rate of 0.4 percent. However, total efficiency level of Turkey got damaged by reason of its administrative limitations.

EFFICIENCY OF PHARMACEUTICAL CONSUMPTION IN TURKEY: BENCHMARKING WITH OECD BY DEA

After 1980s, consumers begin to focus more health-conscious behaviours and attitudes including the concept of consuming pharmaceutical products. Pharmaceutical consumption attitude is a natural outcome of this trend. In this research, it is aimed to analyze Turkey’s benchmarking position among OECD countries in terms of pharmaceutical consumption efficiency. 15 OECD countries’ 5 years (2008-2012) analyzed by DEA-Malmquist TFP with the output-oriented and variable returns to scale methods. TC index shows that Turkey had created more pharmaceutical consumption and longer life expectancy by using same amount of number of physicians, number of pharmacists, total public and private health insurance expenditures and number of doctor consultations. By the way, Turkey had embraced efficiency growth with the rate of 0.4 percent. However, total efficiency level of Turkey got damaged by reason of its administrative limitations.