Case study on environmental safety and sustainability of pharmaceutical production based on life cycle assessment of enrofloxacin

Pharmaceutical industry plays an important role in protecting human health and promoting economic development, but it also responsible for serious environmental issues. Thus, to assess the implications of the pharmaceutical products, life cycle assessment (LCA) of enrofloxacin (ENR), a representative drug with functional unit (FU) of 1000 t per year, was conducted. The study used Eco-indicator 99 method to assess the specific environmental impacts during ENR production in terms of three endpoint types (containing 11 midpoint categories of specific impacts). Two inputs during ENR process were particularly important, i.e. isopentanol solvent and electricity, which were the largest contributors for environmental damage. To reduce the damage and the toxicity influence, these two inputs were the prime checkpoints, and subsequently, three process improvements were proposed, including solvent replacement, energy source adjustment, and synergistic analysis. Replacement of isopentanol with ethanol solvent decreased the sum of ecological index points by 40 kPt, whereas adjustment of the energy source from coal-fired power to liquefied natural gas decreased the sum by 30 kPt. Synergistic analysis showed the highest reduction (66 kPt) and improved toxicity levels. Therefore, LCA results indicated the effectiveness of process improvements, thus, providing theoretical guidance for the development of green pharmaceutical production.

Automated summary

The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in safeguarding human health and driving economic growth, but it also carries responsibility for environmental issues. A life cycle assessment of enrofloxacin production revealed that process improvements such as solvent replacement and energy source adjustment can significantly reduce environmental impacts, providing theoretical guidance for the development of green pharmaceutical production.