The occurrence and distribution of pharmaceutical compounds in the effluents of a major sewage treatment plant in Northern Taiwan and the receiving coastal waters

► We analyzed pharmaceutical compounds in waste water of sewage treatment plant (STP) and coastal water in Northern Taiwan. ► The effluent of STP was the point source of pharmaceutical compounds to the coastal water. ► The removal efficiency of the pharmaceutical compounds by STP ranged within 6.3-46.8%. ► The risks posed by pharmaceutical compounds to the marine ecosystem were insignificant, except ibuprofen.