Low-Carbon Technologies to Remove Organic Micropollutants from Wastewater: A Focus on Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical residues are of environmental concern since they found in several compartments, including surface, ground and waste waters. However, the effect pharmaceuticals on ecosystems is still under investigation. To date, removal these micropollutants by conventional treatment plants generally ineffective, addition to producing a considerable carbon footprint. In this sense, achieve current zero-pollution ambition, reduction negative impacts chemical substances such as environment must be aligned with initiatives European Ecological Compact, Environment Action Programme, Circular Economy Plan, among others. This review provides insight into key drivers for changing approaches, technologies, governance water Europe (Germany, Switzerland, UK), improving wastewater sewage their addition, an overview emerging low-carbon technologies (e.g., constructed wetlands, anaerobic membrane bioreactors, enzymes) works provided. general, efficiency could achieved up ca. 100% wastewater, exception highly recalcitrant carbamazepine (removal <60%). These have potential help reduce footprint treatment, which can therefore contribute achievement Union’s objective being neutral 2050.