“Anti-infectives” is a general term that refers to several classes of biologically active compounds used to treat or prevent infections. Therapeutic agents such as antimicrobials (synthetic) and antibiotics (natural or semi-natural) are examples of anti-infectives.

The widespread utilization of anti-infectives in urban centers as well as their resistance to biodegradation or elimination in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has led to their appearance in effluents and surface waters. In the last few years there has been a growing concern about the environmental fate and the possible effects of these agents on the aquatic environment.

The first report on the occurrence of anti-infective traces in the aquatic environment was published as early as 1983. A later study acknowledged that pharmaceuticals would enter the water cycle mainly via a “domestic route” (i.e. by the excreta of individuals taking medication at homes, hospitals or clinics). It is therefore important to know the amounts of these substances released in the aquatic environment to be able to evaluate potential effects.

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