Pharmaceutically active compounds in atlantic canadian sewage treatment plant effluents and receiving waters, and potential for environmental effects as measured by acute and chronic aquatic toxicity.

Ten acidic and two neutral pharmaceuticals were detected in the effluents of eight sewage treatment plants (STPs) from across Atlantic Canada. Concentrations varied between nondetectable and 35 microg/L. The analgesic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and naproxen were predominant.