Occurrence, fate and removal of synthetic oral contraceptives (SOCs) in the natural environment: A review

► A critical review of synthetic oral contraceptives (SOCs) in the environment. ► Progestogenic/androgenic potencies of SOCs with different in vitro assays. ► Recent advances in analytical methods of SOCs for environmental samples. ► Occurrence and fate of SOCs in the environment. ► State of the knowledge on potential for treatment of SOCs.