Occurrence, partition and removal of pharmaceuticals in sewage water and sludge during wastewater treatment

► Even though the WWTPs meet the regulatory requirements for wastewater treatment (Directive 91/271/EEC), they are only moderately effective in removing pharmaceutical compounds. ► Out of 43 analyzed pharmaceuticals, 29 were detected in wastewater effluent and 21 in sludge samples. ► Removal rates varied strongly without evident correlation to the compound structure, and were mainly influenced by wastewater characteristics, operational conditions and treatment technology used.