Pharmaceuticals in River Waters: Abatement and Control

Dear Colleagues,

Fortunately, people developed medicines to improve health and quality of life. However, when medicines are used, the compounds and metabolites are excreted via urine and faeces. Via the toilet and sewer system they arrive at wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Most WWTPs are not designed to remove these compounds. Therefore, they end up in surface waters, up to several micrograms per litre or more.

The presence of these compounds in river water can be harmful for aquatic life. For example, gender changes of fish or behaviour change of predators have been reported. Presence of these compounds is also undesirable for drinking water production. While the concentration levels are not posing a direct threat for human health, it is not accepted by consumers that drinking water contains traces of pharmaceuticals. Moreover, the effects of long-term exposure at low levels and the effects of mixtures on human health are unknown.

Currently, there is no policy or legislation for pharmaceuticals, although standards for surface water may be expected in the coming years. All abatement measures now are done from a precaution principle, but when legislation comes into place, additional treatment may become necessary. In some countries, e.g., Switzerland, the political decision has been made to install an additional treatment step at the main WWTPs. In other countries, the necessity of abatement and control is still debated, mainly because of the significant additional costs of the possible measures.

This Special Issue will focus on abatement and control options for pharmaceuticals and metabolites in the aquatic environment. Reduction of emission by source measures, advances in different technological solutions for water or wastewater treatment, and policy development will be discussed.

Prof. Dr. Jan Hofman
Dr. Roberta Hofman-Caris
Dr. Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern
Guest Editors

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• pharmaceutical
• metabolites
• wastewater treatment
• water treatment
• source measures
• policy development
• public health
• aquatic ecology