1. Introduction
In the last decade, numerous studies have demonstrated the
presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products
(PPCPs) in domestic wastewater worldwide. These PPCPs are
removed to different degrees by the biological processes
commonly used in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP).
While some PPCPs (e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol) are effectively
removed, others (e.g. carbamazepine, diclofenac) are barely
affected (Onesios et al., 2009). As a result, PPCPs are released
into surface waters via WWTPs effluents. This situation is of
concern, particularly regarding pharmaceuticals as these
compounds have been designed to be bioactive and the effects
of low-level but long term exposure on aquatic life are still
largely unknown. Even though there is no sound evidence of
impact on human health, the precautionary principle should
be applied when treated wastewater is discharged to water
bodies that are used as drinking water sources or considered
for indirect potable reuse. Therefore, additional steps have to
be considered for the advanced treatment of WWTP effluents
to reduce the discharge load of PPCPs into sensitive receiving
waters.