Résumé
The development of human activity over time has led to environmental degradation caused by various types of pollutants. Among these, drug residues have now been identified in most environments, and represent a real concern for populations due to their ability to act on biological systems. Because of differences in consumption habits, legislation and production requirements, this contamination is highly heterogeneous throughout the world. In fact, the concentrations observed or the sources identified will vary according to the geographical zones considered and the types of environment taken into account. For this reason, this work will focus on continental waters in mainland France. It will also look at the fate of four active ingredients in the environment (paracetamol, ciprofloxacin, carbamazepine and 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol) and the associated risks, in order to illustrate some of the major concerns and issues currently associated with drug residues. Some examples of means already in place or under study to mitigate these risks at different scales will also be explained.