Abstract:
)e occurrence of residual antifungal agents through indiscriminate prophylactic use and inappropriate disposal has been
reported in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), surface water, and groundwater environments. Opportunistic pathogenic
aquatic yeasts develop resistance to commonly used antifungal agents through continued exposure to residual antifungal agents in
environmental waters. )is poses a major public health concern. )e present review attempts to provide a brief description of
antifungal drugs, with a focus on the most widely used class of antifungal drugs, the azoles, as emerging contaminants in
environmental water. Routes of exposure of azole antifungal drugs in wastewater treatment plants, surface water, and
groundwater are discussed. )e presence of pathogenic yeasts in environmental water, the associated azole resistance, and the risk
of exposure to humans and microbiota are highlighted. Management actions needed to curtail the spread and minimise the risks
are also indicated. Further research on the occurrence of antifungal agents in wastewater and environmental water is vital to better
understand and mitigate the associated health-related risks.
