Effectiveness of degradation and removal of non-steroidal pharmaceuticals which are the most frequently identified in surface water

Pharmaceuticals are quite common but very harmful environmental contaminants. Major part of them are non-steroidal compounds. Data on the risk connected with the presence of such contaminants in surface waters are scattered; however, it was confirmed that one of the important sources of these micropollutants are wastewater treatment plants. Because of this preventive action not only monitoring should be recommended. For recommendation, detailed knowledge not only on effects but also on removal efficiencies is necessary. The aim of this study is to describe the possibilities of degradation and removal of 10, the most frequently present in surface waters, non-steroidal pharmaceuticals. Removal effectiveness of pharmaceutical can be in the range from several to even 100% and is affected by properties of individual compounds, treatment technology, and technological parameters. The most effective processes seem to be advanced oxidation processes.