There is much regulatory concern about the presence of even trace pharmaceutical residues in wastewater, and thereby in the aquatic environment. Regrettably, this has in some part manifest itself as an opportunity for bullying and a trouble-making approach to regulation. However, engagement in meaningful scientific debate is possible and much evidence if being amassed to identify properly the issues and risks involved. This impacts of waste regulation and the selection and operation of the available disposal processes in order to ensure a high standard of public health with minimal environmental pollution though wastewater control. These are issues that have received considerable attention in the Clinical Waste Discussion Forum .

This scientific debate is aided considerably by publication of a freely accessible special (virtual) journal edition of Science of the Total Environment “Pharmaceuticals and Illicit Drugs in Aquatic Systems” available from http://www.journals.elsevier.com/science-of-the-total-environment/virtual-special-issue/pharmaceuticals-and-illicit-drugs-in-aquatic-systems/