Screening of Pharmaceuticals in San Francisco Bay Wastewater

Previous studies have shown that pharmaceuticals are widely detected in San Francisco Bay, and some compounds occasionally approach levels of concern for wildlife. In 2016 and 2017, seven wastewater treatment facilities located throughout the Bay Area voluntarily collected wastewater samples and funded analyses for 104 pharmaceutical compounds. This dataset represents the most comprehensive analysis of pharmaceuticals in wastewater to date in this region. On behalf of the Regional Monitoring Program for Water Quality in San Francisco Bay (RMP), the complete dataset was reviewed utilizing RMP quality assurance methods. An analysis of influent and effluent information is summarized in this report, and is intended to inform future monitoring recommendations for the Bay.