Abstract <p>Environmental pollution by pharmaceuticals is a new global environmental problem that threatens human health and biota. The active ingredients of drugs are found in trace concentrations in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and are considered dangerous emergent pollutants. Their continuous emission into open ecosystems is uncontrolled, and detection has become possible due to the development of highly sensitive analytical methods. The review systematizes data on the occurrence of pharmaceutical micro-pollutants, their ecotoxicity, detoxification strategies, and modern methods of wastewater treatment and pharmaceutical waste disposal. Critical risk assessment requires constant updating of scientific information in order to develop effective measures to reduce the negative effects of pharmaceutical pollution. Specific steps are proposed to solve the problem in practice and minimize environmental damage.</p>