REMEDIATION OF PHYSIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM WASTE WATER

1 . A method, comprising:

a. contacting a feed stream comprising a physiologically active target material with a soluble fixing agent, the soluble fixing agent comprising a rare earth, to form to substantially reduce physiologically active target material in the feed stream.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein an insoluble target material-containing fixing agent comprising at least a portion of the physiologically active target material and the rare earth is formed from contacting the feed stream with the soluble fixing agent.

3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one physiologically active compound is selected from the group consisting essentially of prescription, over-the-counter therapeutic drug, veterinary drug, fragrance, cosmetic, sun-screen agent, diagnostic agent, nutraceutical, biopharmaceutical active compound, growth enhancing chemical, antimicrobial, estrogenic steroid, antidepressant, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, calcium-channel blocker, antiepileptic drug, phenyloin, valproate, carbamazepine, multi-drug transporter, efflux pump, musk aroma chemical, triclosan, genotoxic drug, and mixtures thereof.

4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the rare earth is selected from the group consisting of at least one of yttrium, scandium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, and mixtures thereof.

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the physiologically active target material comprises one or more of an antipyretics, analgesics, antimalarial drugs, antiseptics, antacids, reflux suppressants, antiflatulents, antidopaminergics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-receptor antagonists, cytoprotectants, prostaglandin analogues, laxatives, antispasmodics, antidiarrhoeals, bile acid sequestrants, opioid, β-receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmics, nitrate, antianginals, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, peripheral activators, antihypertensive drugs, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, α blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, heparin, antiplatelet drugs, fibrinolytics, anti-hemophilic factors, haemostatic drugs, atherosclerosis/cholesterol inhibitors, hypolipidaemic agents, statins, hypnotics, anaesthetics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, lithium salts, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antiemetics, anticonvulsants, antiepileptics, anxiolytics, barbiturates, movement disorder drugs, stimulants, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrolones, dopamine antagonists, antihistamines, cholinergics, anticholinergics, emetics, cannabinoids, 5-HT (serotonin) antagonists, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and various orphans such as paracetamol, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, adrenergic neurone blocker, astringent, ocular lubricant, topical anesthetics, sympathomimetics, parasympatholytics, mydriatics, cycloplegics, antibiotics, topical antibiotics, sulfa drugs, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, antiviral drugs, anti-fungal drugs, imidazoles, polyenes, corticosteroids, anti-allergy, mast cell inhibitors, anti-glaucoma, adrenergic agonists, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors/hyperosmotics, cholinergics, miotics, parasympathomimetics, prostaglandin agonists/prostaglandin inhibitors, nitroglycerin, sympathomimetics, antihistamines, anticholinergics, steroids, antiseptics, local anesthetics, cerumenolyti, bronchodilators, anti-allergics, antitussives, mucolytics, decongestants, Beta2-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergics, androgens, antiandrogens, gonadotropin, human growth hormone, insulin, antidiabetics, sulfonylureas, biguanides, metformin, thiazolidinediones, insulin, thyroid hormones, antithyroid drugs, calcitonin, diphosphonate, vasopressin analogues, alkalising agents, quinolones, cholinergics, anticholinergics, anticholinesterases, antispasmodics, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, selective alpha-1 blockers, sildenafils, fertility medications, ormeloxifene, spermicide, anticholinergics, haemostatic drugs, antifibrinolytics, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), bone regulators, beta-receptor agonists, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, LHRH, gamolenic acid, gonadotropin release inhibitor, progestogen, dopamine agonists, oestrogen, prostaglandins, gonadorelin, clomiphene, tamoxifen, Diethylstilbestrol, emollients, anti-pruritics, disinfectants, scabicides, pediculicides, tar products, vitamin A derivatives, vitamin D analogues, keratolytics, abrasives, systemic antibiotics, topical antibiotics, hormones, desloughing agents, exudate absorbents, fibrinolytics, proteolytics, sunscreens, antiperspirants, antibiotics, antileprotics, antituberculous drugs, antimalarials, anthelmintics, amoebicides, antiprotozoals, vaccines, immunoglobulins, immunosuppressants, interferons, monoclonal antibodies, anti-allergics, antihistamines, tonics, iron preparations, electrolytes, parenteral nutritional supplements, vitamins, anti-obesity drugs, anabolic drugs, haematopoietic drugs, food product drugs, barbiturates, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and mixtures thereof.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the physiologically active target material comprises one or more of caffeine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, dimethoprim, trimethoprim, sulfonamide, sulfamethoxazole, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, diethyl phthalate, cotinine, nicotine, lincomycini, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, tylosin, cholesterol, coprostan-3-ol, dihydrocholesterol, ergosterol, stigmastanol, stigmasterol, bezafibrate, clofibric acid, carbamazepine, diclofenac, naproxen, propranolol, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, androstenedione, estrone, progesterone, estradiol, pentoxifylline, ethynylestradiol, synthetic estrogen EE2, endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylstradiol (EE2), estrone, meprobamate, phenyloin, ethinyl estradiol, mestranol, norethindrone, erythromycine, atenolol, triclosan, bisphenol A, nonylphenol, DEET, iopromide, TCEP, roxithromycin, erythromycin-H 2 O, gemfibrozil, meprobamate, phenyloin, fluoxetine, diazepam, ethynylestradiol, atorvastatin, norfluoxetine, o-hydroxy atorvastatin, p-hydroxy atorvastatin, risperiodine, testosterone, risperidone, enalapril, simvastatin, simvastatin hydroxyl acid, clofibrate, phthalate esters, primidone, fluoroquinolones, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, doxycycline, estriol, D-norgestrel, clopidogrel, enoxparin, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, omeprazole, esomeprazole, fexofenadine, quetiapine, metoprolol, budesonide, paracetamol, propylphenazone, acetaminophenone, ibuprofen methyl ester, quinolone, macrolide antibiotics, synthetic steroid hormone, loratadine, cetirizine, and mixtures thereof.

7 . A material, comprising:

at least a portion of a physiologically active target material, wherein the physiologically active target material comprises at least one physiologically active compound; and

a rare earth.

8 . The material of claim 7 , wherein the at least one physiologically active compound is selected from the group consisting essentially of prescription, over-the-counter therapeutic drug, veterinary drug, fragrance, cosmetic, sun-screen agent, diagnostic agent, nutraceutical, biopharmaceutical active compound, growth enhancing chemical, antimicrobial, estrogenic steroid, antidepressant, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, calcium-channel blocker, antiepileptic drug, phenyloin, valproate, carbamazepine, multi-drug transporter, efflux pump, musk aroma chemical, triclosan, genotoxic drug, and mixtures thereof.

9 . The material of claim 7 , wherein the physiologically active target material comprises one or more of an antipyretics, analgesics, antimalarial drugs, antiseptics, antacids, reflux suppressants, antiflatulents, antidopaminergics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-receptor antagonists, cytoprotectants, prostaglandin analogues, laxatives, antispasmodics, antidiarrhoeals, bile acid sequestrants, opioid, β-receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmics, nitrate, antianginals, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, peripheral activators, antihypertensive drugs, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, α blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, heparin, antiplatelet drugs, fibrinolytics, anti-hemophilic factors, haemostatic drugs, atherosclerosis/cholesterol inhibitors, hypolipidaemic agents, statins, hypnotics, anaesthetics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, lithium salts, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antiemetics, anticonvulsants, antiepileptics, anxiolytics, barbiturates, movement disorder drugs, stimulants, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrolones, dopamine antagonists, antihistamines, cholinergics, anticholinergics, emetics, cannabinoids, 5-HT (serotonin) antagonists, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and various orphans such as paracetamol, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, adrenergic neurone blocker, astringent, ocular lubricant, topical anesthetics, sympathomimetics, parasympatholytics, mydriatics, cycloplegics, antibiotics, topical antibiotics, sulfa drugs, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, antiviral drugs, anti-fungal drugs, imidazoles, polyenes, corticosteroids, anti-allergy, mast cell inhibitors, anti-glaucoma, adrenergic agonists, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors/hyperosmotics, cholinergics, miotics, parasympathomimetics, prostaglandin agonists/prostaglandin inhibitors, nitroglycerin, sympathomimetics, antihistamines, anticholinergics, steroids, antiseptics, local anesthetics, cerumenolyti, bronchodilators, anti-allergics, antitussives, mucolytics, decongestants, Beta2-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergics, androgens, antiandrogens, gonadotropin, human growth hormone, insulin, antidiabetics, sulfonylureas, biguanides, metformin, thiazolidinediones, insulin, thyroid hormones, antithyroid drugs, calcitonin, diphosphonate, vasopressin analogues, alkalising agents, quinolones, cholinergics, anticholinergics, anticholinesterases, antispasmodics, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, selective alpha-1 blockers, sildenafils, fertility medications, ormeloxifene, spermicide, anticholinergics, haemostatic drugs, antifibrinolytics, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), bone regulators, beta-receptor agonists, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, LHRH, gamolenic acid, gonadotropin release inhibitor, progestogen, dopamine agonists, oestrogen, prostaglandins, gonadorelin, clomiphene, tamoxifen, Diethylstilbestrol, emollients, anti-pruritics, disinfectants, scabicides, pediculicides, tar products, vitamin A derivatives, vitamin D analogues, keratolytics, abrasives, systemic antibiotics, topical antibiotics, hormones, desloughing agents, exudate absorbents, fibrinolytics, proteolytics, sunscreens, antiperspirants, antibiotics, antileprotics, antituberculous drugs, antimalarials, anthelmintics, amoebicides, antiprotozoals, vaccines, immunoglobulins, immunosuppressants, interferons, monoclonal antibodies, anti-allergics, antihistamines, tonics, iron preparations, electrolytes, parenteral nutritional supplements, vitamins, anti-obesity drugs, anabolic drugs, haematopoietic drugs, food product drugs, barbiturates, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and mixtures thereof.

10 . The material of claim 7 , wherein the physiologically active target material comprises one or more of caffeine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, dimethoprim, trimethoprim, sulfonamide, sulfamethoxazole, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, diethyl phthalate, cotinine, nicotine, lincomycini, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, tylosin, cholesterol, coprostan-3-ol, dihydrocholesterol, ergosterol, stigmastanol, stigmasterol, bezafibrate, clofibric acid, carbamazepine, diclofenac, naproxen, propranolol, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, androstenedione, estrone, progesterone, estradiol, pentoxifylline, ethynylestradiol, synthetic estrogen EE2, endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylstradiol (EE2), estrone, meprobamate, phenyloin, ethinyl estradiol, mestranol, norethindrone, erythromycine, atenolol, triclosan, bisphenol A, nonylphenol, DEET, iopromide, TCEP, roxithromycin, erythromycin-H 2 O, gemfibrozil, meprobamate, phenyloin, fluoxetine, diazepam, ethynylestradiol, atorvastatin, norfluoxetine, o-hydroxy atorvastatin, p-hydroxy atorvastatin, risperiodine, testosterone, risperidone, enalapril, simvastatin, simvastatin hydroxyl acid, clofibrate, phthalate esters, primidone, fluoroquinolones, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, doxycycline, estriol, D-norgestrel, clopidogrel, enoxparin, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, omeprazole, esomeprazole, fexofenadine, quetiapine, metoprolol, budesonide, paracetamol, propylphenazone, acetaminophenone, ibuprofen methyl ester, quinolone, macrolide antibiotics, synthetic steroid hormone, loratadine, cetirizine, and mixtures thereof.

11 . The material of claim 7 , wherein the rare earth is selected from the group consisting of at least one of yttrium, scandium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, and mixtures thereof.

12 . A method, comprising:

contacting a physiologically active compound-containing stream with an insoluble rare earth fixing agent to form an insoluble target material-containing fixing agent comprising at least a portion of the physiologically active target material and the rare earth.

13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the at least one physiologically active compound is selected from the group consisting essentially of prescription, over-the-counter therapeutic drug, veterinary drug, fragrance, cosmetic, sun-screen agent, diagnostic agent, nutraceutical, biopharmaceutical active compound, growth enhancing chemical, antimicrobial, estrogenic steroid, antidepressant, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, calcium-channel blocker, antiepileptic drug, phenyloin, valproate, carbamazepine, multi-drug transporter, efflux pump, musk aroma chemical, triclosan, genotoxic drug, and mixtures thereof.

14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the physiologically active target material comprises one or more of an antipyretics, analgesics, antimalarial drugs, antiseptics, antacids, reflux suppressants, antiflatulents, antidopaminergics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-receptor antagonists, cytoprotectants, prostaglandin analogues, laxatives, antispasmodics, antidiarrhoeals, bile acid sequestrants, opioid, β-receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmics, nitrate, antianginals, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, peripheral activators, antihypertensive drugs, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, α blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, heparin, antiplatelet drugs, fibrinolytics, anti-hemophilic factors, haemostatic drugs, atherosclerosis/cholesterol inhibitors, hypolipidaemic agents, statins, hypnotics, anaesthetics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, lithium salts, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antiemetics, anticonvulsants, antiepileptics, anxiolytics, barbiturates, movement disorder drugs, stimulants, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrolones, dopamine antagonists, antihistamines, cholinergics, anticholinergics, emetics, cannabinoids, 5-HT (serotonin) antagonists, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and various orphans such as paracetamol, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, adrenergic neurone blocker, astringent, ocular lubricant, topical anesthetics, sympathomimetics, parasympatholytics, mydriatics, cycloplegics, antibiotics, topical antibiotics, sulfa drugs, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, antiviral drugs, anti-fungal drugs, imidazoles, polyenes, corticosteroids, anti-allergy, mast cell inhibitors, anti-glaucoma, adrenergic agonists, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors/hyperosmotics, cholinergics, miotics, parasympathomimetics, prostaglandin agonists/prostaglandin inhibitors, nitroglycerin, sympathomimetics, antihistamines, anticholinergics, steroids, antiseptics, local anesthetics, cerumenolyti, bronchodilators, anti-allergics, antitussives, mucolytics, decongestants, Beta2-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergics, androgens, antiandrogens, gonadotropin, human growth hormone, insulin, antidiabetics, sulfonylureas, biguanides, metformin, thiazolidinediones, insulin, thyroid hormones, antithyroid drugs, calcitonin, diphosphonate, vasopressin analogues, alkalising agents, quinolones, cholinergics, anticholinergics, anticholinesterases, antispasmodics, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, selective alpha-1 blockers, sildenafils, fertility medications, ormeloxifene, spermicide, anticholinergics, haemostatic drugs, antifibrinolytics, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), bone regulators, beta-receptor agonists, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, LHRH, gamolenic acid, gonadotropin release inhibitor, progestogen, dopamine agonists, oestrogen, prostaglandins, gonadorelin, clomiphene, tamoxifen, Diethylstilbestrol, emollients, anti-pruritics, disinfectants, scabicides, pediculicides, tar products, vitamin A derivatives, vitamin D analogues, keratolytics, abrasives, systemic antibiotics, topical antibiotics, hormones, desloughing agents, exudate absorbents, fibrinolytics, proteolytics, sunscreens, antiperspirants, antibiotics, antileprotics, antituberculous drugs, antimalarials, anthelmintics, amoebicides, antiprotozoals, vaccines, immunoglobulins, immunosuppressants, interferons, monoclonal antibodies, anti-allergics, antihistamines, tonics, iron preparations, electrolytes, parenteral nutritional supplements, vitamins, anti-obesity drugs, anabolic drugs, haematopoietic drugs, food product drugs, barbiturates, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and mixtures thereof.

15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the physiologically active target material comprises one or more of caffeine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, dimethoprim, trimethoprim, sulfonamide, sulfamethoxazole, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, diethyl phthalate, cotinine, nicotine, lincomycini, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, tylosin, cholesterol, coprostan-3-ol, dihydrocholesterol, ergosterol, stigmastanol, stigmasterol, bezafibrate, clofibric acid, carbamazepine, diclofenac, naproxen, propranolol, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, androstenedione, estrone, progesterone, estradiol, pentoxifylline, ethynylestradiol, synthetic estrogen EE2, endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylstradiol (EE2), estrone, meprobamate, phenyloin, ethinyl estradiol, mestranol, norethindrone, erythromycine, atenolol, triclosan, bisphenol A, nonylphenol, DEET, iopromide, TCEP, roxithromycin, erythromycin-H 2 O, gemfibrozil, meprobamate, phenyloin, fluoxetine, diazepam, ethynylestradiol, atorvastatin, norfluoxetine, o-hydroxy atorvastatin, p-hydroxy atorvastatin, risperiodine, testosterone, risperidone, enalapril, simvastatin, simvastatin hydroxyl acid, clofibrate, phthalate esters, primidone, fluoroquinolones, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, doxycycline, estriol, D-norgestrel, clopidogrel, enoxparin, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, omeprazole, esomeprazole, fexofenadine, quetiapine, metoprolol, budesonide, paracetamol, propylphenazone, acetaminophenone, ibuprofen methyl ester, quinolone, macrolide antibiotics, synthetic steroid hormone, loratadine, cetirizine, and mixtures thereof.

16 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the rare earth is selected from the group consisting of at least one of yttrium, scandium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, and mixtures thereof.

17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the insoluble rare earth fixing agent comprises cerium.

18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the insoluble rare earth fixing agent comprises at least one of cerium (IV) oxide (CeO 2 ) and cerium (III) oxide (Ce 2 O 3 ).

19 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the rare earth fixing agent comprises a trivalent rare earth selected from the group consisting essentially of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium erbium, thulium, ytterbium and lutetium.

20 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the insoluble rare earth fixing agent comprises a plurality of different rare earths having differing oxidation states.

21 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the insoluble rare earth fixing agent comprises insoluble and soluble rare earth compounds.