Occurrence and Fate of Pharmaceuticals and Illicit Drugs Under Water Scarcity

Abstract

Occurrence of emerging contaminants in environmental waters is directly related to their removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and the flow rate of the receiving waters. Mediterranean rivers are characterized by impor- tant fluctuations in the flow rates and heavy contamination pressures from extensive urban, industrial, and agricultural activities. This translates in contamination levels most often higher than in other European basins. This paper reviews the data regarding the levels of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs detected in wastewaters and gives an overview of their removal by conventional treatment technologies applying activated sludge. Pharmaceutically active compounds and illicit drugs are selected as two important groups of emerging environmental contaminants that have raised an increasing interest in the scientific community. Their removal in WWTP, the influence of hydrological conditions in the receiving rivers, and dilution factors are described and examples are provided for selected WWTP and rivers in Catalonia (NE Spain).