Pharmaceuticals are persistent, biologically active substances that pose a significant threat to environmental stability. They are found in various environmental compartments, including water, soil, and air, and can have negative impacts on living organisms, ecosystems, and public health. This review discusses the sources, fate, and ecotoxicological effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment, focusing on non-target organisms. Pharmaceuticals are continuously released into the environment at low concentrations, often through wastewater, sewage treatment plants, and improper disposal. They can persist in the environment and accumulate in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, leading to toxic effects on organisms. The review highlights the presence of pharmaceuticals in various environmental compartments, including surface waters, groundwater, and drinking water, and their potential to cause chronic toxicity in aquatic organisms. The review also discusses the ecotoxicological effects of various pharmaceutical classes, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood lipid lowering agents, antibiotics, sex hormones, and antiepileptics. These substances can have significant impacts on non-target organisms, including changes in reproduction, growth, and development. The review emphasizes the need for further research and regulation to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with pharmaceuticals in the environment.Pharmaceuticals are persistent, biologically active substances that pose a significant threat to environmental stability. They are found in various environmental compartments, including water, soil, and air, and can have negative impacts on living organisms, ecosystems, and public health. This review discusses the sources, fate, and ecotoxicological effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment, focusing on non-target organisms. Pharmaceuticals are continuously released into the environment at low concentrations, often through wastewater, sewage treatment plants, and improper disposal. They can persist in the environment and accumulate in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, leading to toxic effects on organisms. The review highlights the presence of pharmaceuticals in various environmental compartments, including surface waters, groundwater, and drinking water, and their potential to cause chronic toxicity in aquatic organisms. The review also discusses the ecotoxicological effects of various pharmaceutical classes, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood lipid lowering agents, antibiotics, sex hormones, and antiepileptics. These substances can have significant impacts on non-target organisms, including changes in reproduction, growth, and development. The review emphasizes the need for further research and regulation to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with pharmaceuticals in the environment.