Fate and behaviour of acetaminophen, 17α-ethynylestradiol and carbamazepine in aqueous solution.

Pharmaceuticals are invaluable tools for the prevention and treatment of human and animal diseases. Human evolution led to the increase of life expectancy, which promoted the increase of consumption of pharmaceuticals. These compounds are consistently detected in superficial waters, and whilst degradation processes are expected to mitigate their levels, they also induce the formation of potentially harmful by-products.