Abstract

Pharmaceutically Active Compounds (PhACs) are increasingly detected in aquatic environments due to human and animal consumption of pharmaceutical products, leading to environmental contamination. These compounds, which include antibiotics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, can persist in water systems and pose potential threats to aquatic life and human health. This article reviews the various methods for the removal of PhACs from aqueous solutions, with a focus on adsorption, membrane filtration, biodegradation, and advanced oxidation processes. Each technique’s advantages, limitations, and effectiveness are discussed, highlighting their relevance to real-world applications. Additionally, recent advancements in hybrid processes that combine multiple removal techniques are explored. The article concludes with an assessment of future research directions needed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of PhACs removal technologies.