So far, the behavior and removal of PPCPs as potential contaminants was neither appropriately investigated in wastewater nor in drinking water treatment 
processes. As a major innovation, POSEIDON tackled this problem adequately at source, by focusing on the development of    
alternative methods of wastewater collection (i.e. separate collection of urine) in addition to advanced, innovative wastewater treatment (i.e. membrane 
technology) and optimization of conventional techniques. A comprehensive scheme should be developed for the implementation of    
measures regarding the elimination of persistent domestic chemicals as contaminants of reclaimed WWTP discharges. Both wastewater and drinking water 
technologies optimized for the removal of domestic chemicals could be applied world-wide for indirect water reuse. 
            

POSEIDON established a basic knowledge on the removal of PPCPs in wastewater and drinking water treatment. Both wastewater technology and drinking water 
technology optimized for the removal of domestic chemicals can be applied world-wide for indirect water reuse. Based on the POSEIDON outcome, a form of BAT 
(Best Available Technology) for water treatment concerning PPCP removal was proposed and will provide a basis to implement administrative measures with 
regard to persistent domestic chemicals as contaminants of reclaimed WWTP discharges. Moreover, the exchange with competent European authorities as well 
as the exchange with water and wastewater industry involved will be the basis for quality improvement of water supply. Thus, POSEIDON contributes to the environmental 
policy of the Community, in particular to the Community water policy as outlined in Directive 91/271/EEC on urban waste water treatment, Directive 80/68/EEC 
on the protection of groundwater against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances and especially in the Water Framework Directive COM (99) which 
intends to promote sustainable water use and prevent further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems. As stated by the Community water policy (§130r of the Treaty), 
POSEIDON improves the level of environmental protection, promotes aspects of the Precautionary Principles, and propose preventive   
actions and rectification of damage at source. POSEIDON has demonstrated that the proposed scheme for the environmental risk assessment of single human 
pharmaceuticals needs further improvement to reduce the likelihood of releasing hazardous trace pollutants to the environment. Municipal wastewater is 
highly contaminated by PPCPs and (subtle) effects such as feminization of fish have already been found in the receiving waters of wastewater treatment plants. 
Due to the   
wide-spread of PPCPs in rivers and groundwater also a contamination of drinking water is known in some cases. Several technological solutions have been 
elaborated in POSEIDON which avoid a contamination of surface water and drinking water with estrogenic compounds and other PPCPs. For   
instance estrogens, the most potent PPCPs known, can be eliminated in common nutrient WWTPs (sludge retention times ≥ 15 days), and with more advanced 
technologies such as effluent ozonation, membrane filtration and activated carbon. For most of the PPCPs such as antibiotics only the   
advanced technologies lead to an efficient removal. However for wastewater, ozonation is the most promising treatment process, due to its cost effectiveness, 
while for drinking water production also   
the other advanced techniques are an option. It is crucial to note that a removal of PPCPs in wastewater treatment and measures at the source such as urine separation 
will guaranty that surface water, groundwater and drinking water will not be further contaminated. Nevertheless, a contamination of drinking water is quite 
unlikely in most European facilities, with complete treatment trains including activated carbon, ozonation or membrane filtration. Only X-ray contrast 
media are capable to pass through these processes. However, it is crucial to mention that   
small waterworks without these more advanced technologies are not appropriate to remove PPCPs. As a consequence, contamination of drinking water might 
occur as long as the raw water is contaminated with PPCPs. Although, the socio-economic relevance of a PPCP contamination is difficult to quantify since the 
ecological and toxicological relevance of micropollutants and their mixtures are not yet clearly understood, the importance of water resources for human 
and nonhuman life is so central that the preservation of its quality deserves great attention. Since a wide variety of new PPCPs with specific chemical and biological 
properties but often unknown (eco)toxicological effects are produced and day by day released in unmatched and increasing quantities, to seek for their impact 
and for feasible   
methods of remediation is a mandatory minimal variant of the precautionary principle for preservation of primary life supporting fundaments. 
            

POSEIDON has focused on the assessment and improvement of technologies for the removal of pharmaceuticals and ingredients of personal care products (PPCPs) 
in wastewater and drinking water facilities to prevent the contamination of receiving waters, groundwater and drinking water by planned and unplanned indirect 
potable water reuse of treated urban wastewater.   
   
The public available products are:   
   
- The POSEIDON Final Report