Monitoring and Removal of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPS) From Water Using Low-Cost Treatment Methods

Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) are emerging environmental contaminants frequently detected in wastewater and surface water systems. Their continuous discharge poses ecological and human health risks due to persistence and bioaccumulation. This study aimed to monitor selected PPCPs in various water sources and evaluate their removal using low-cost adsorption, advanced oxidation, and biological treatment methods. Water samples were collected from domestic wastewater, hospital effluent, surface water, and tap water (control). Target compounds included paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and caffeine. Quantification was performed using UV– Visible spectrophotometry. Removal efficiencies were assessed using activated carbon adsorption, hydrogen peroxide-based advanced oxidation, and microbial treatment. Among the methods tested, activated carbon showed the highest removal efficiency (75–92%), followed by advanced oxidation (60–85%), and biological treatment (45– 70%). Significant reductions (p < 0.05) were observed in PPCP concentrations after treatment. The findings demonstrate that low-cost adsorption techniques are effective for mitigating PPCP contamination in water systems.