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The vast majority of pharmaceuticals and other water pollutants can be removed efficiently using conventional wastewater treatment. However, iodinated contrast media (ICMs), used in medical imaging procedures, avoid common wastewater treatment, thus remaining in the effluents of wastewater treatment plants and entering surface waters, groundwater, and even drinking water untreated. These pharmaceuticals in natural environments can lead to the formation of toxic byproducts. As such, there is a concrete and urgent need for ICM removal strategies.

Innovative methods and procedures to trap pharmaceuticals in water treatment systems are possible. Among the available strategies, Iron(Fe)-containing by-products, already applied in specific drinking water treatment, can be used as part of this new venture. These materials have been proven to be effective in breaking down contrast medium agents, making them biodegradable. Nonetheless, there is the risk of forming toxic intermediate byproducts that warrants further investigation.