Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in treated wastewater discharges into Charleston Harbor, South Carolina

► First known study to examine PPCPs in the South Atlantic Bight. ► Examines seasonal and regional trends of PPCP concentrations in a coastal system. ► Eleven PPCPs were quantified in WWTP influent, 9 in effluent, and 7 in surface water. ► Removal from aqueous phase in wastewater treatment is generally estimated to be > 86%. ► Greater detection in winter may have been related to colder temperatures.