Abstract:
The occurrence of a representative range of pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) in urban wastewaters was studied in two Portuguese water-scarce regions (Lisbon great area, and Faro – Algarve), involving 55 sampling campaigns during 2.5 years. The results show 16 PhCs (out of the 24 analysed) were quantified in all samples, with similar concentrations in both wastewaters. To understand to what extent seasonality affects PhC occurrence, a statistical analysis was conducted, and daily maximum air temperature was identified as a key factor, with a turning point of 20°C in Lisbon and 22°C in Faro.