The behavior of pharmaceutically active compounds and contrast agents during wastewater treatment – Combining sampling strategies and analytical techniques: A critical review

Increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals and the respective consequences for the aquatic environment have
been the focus of many studies over the last thirty years. Various aspects in this field were investigated,
considering diverse pharmaceutical groups and employing a wide range of research methodologies. Various
questions from the perspectives of different research areas were devised and answered, resulting in a large mix of
individual findings and conclusions. Collectively, the results of the studies offer a comprehensive overview. The
large variety of methods and strategies, however, demands close attention when comparing and combining in-
formation from heterogeneous projects. This review critically examines the application of diverse sampling techniques as well as analytical methods in investigations concerning the behavior of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) and contrast agents (CAs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The combination of sampling and analysis is discussed with regard to
its suitability for specific scientific problems. Different research focuses need different methods and answer
different questions. ... mehrAn overview of studies dealing with the fate and degradation of PhACs and CAs in WWTPs is presented, discussing their strategic approaches and findings. This review includes surveys of anticancer drugs, antibiotics,analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, antidiabetics, beta blockers, hormonal contraceptives, lipid lowering agents, antidepressants as well as contrast agents for X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging.