The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has changed its name to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) as of 1 July 2025. The website address is now www.phfscience.nz. Visitors are automatically redirected to the new address. Please check and update any links and bookmarks.

Assessment of the presence of pharmaceuticals in, and removal from, municipal wastewater in Aotearoa New Zealand

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

The aim of this report is to improve our understanding of the potential risks that the environmental presence of pharmaceuticals contaminants in wastewater may pose to human health in Aotearoa New Zealand. To do so, we reviewed the available literature to determine the presence of pharmaceuticals in New Zealand municipal wastewater, and the efficacy of the wastewater treatment processes commonly used in New Zealand wastewater treatment plants in removing those compounds. Subsequently, the data was entered into an exposure assessment model, to estimate the potential human health risks associated with exposure to pharmaceuticals during recreational use of aquatic environments impacted by wastewater discharge.

Download