TITLE:
Antimicrobial Pollution in Tanzanian Surface Waters: Sources, Environmental Risks, and Public Health Implications
AUTHORS:
Asha Ripanda, Miraji Hossein, Alfred Said, Elias Charles Nyanza
KEYWORDS:
Antimicrobial Pollution, Antibiotics, Environmental Implications, Tanzania, Waters
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial pollution in surface waters has become an urgent environmental issue globally, yet few studies have specifically focused on the prevalence and impacts of antimicrobial contaminants in Tanzanian surface waters. This review article presents a comprehensive assessment of antimicrobial pollutants in Tanzania’s aquatic ecosystems, filling a critical gap in the current literature. The findings reveal widespread contamination of surface waters, primarily with antibiotics, from diverse sources, including domestic sewage, agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and healthcare facilities. This work integrates findings from a range of disciplines, including environmental monitoring, public health, and agricultural practices, to provide a holistic understanding in the Tanzanian context. The presence of antimicrobial pollutants may lead to the promotion of antimicrobial resistance, disruption of microbial communities, and risks to human health through food chain. Therefore, there is a call for further studies to assess the extent of antimicrobial pollution in Tanzania and its broader implications for both environmental and public health.