**Acknowledgements**

For example, since 2014 the Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA, for its

Also used a submerged membrane bioreactor for the degradation of compounds estrone, estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol, obtaining removals close to 96% for all compounds [31]. Meanwhile Flores and Mijaylova 2017, evaluated the removal of three pharmaceutical micropollutants (fluoxetine, mefenamic acid and metoprolol) from municipal wastewater, by using four aerated submerged attached growth bioreactors, with removal efficiencies of 95, 82 and 73% for fluoxetine, mefenamic acid and metoprolol, respectively [32]. In another study conducted by García-Espinosa et al. 2018, obtained degradation percentages of Carbamazepine in wastewater of

The main challenge facing Mexico for the comprehensive management of water resources, to do with current legislation has some structural deficiencies, for example, the sanitation process is not defined within the water legislation, as well as to institutional fragmentation. On the other hand, it must be considered that decisionmaking is strongly influenced by political interests and social pressure, which makes it difficult to align common goals in public health and environmental protection between local authorities and different sectors of society. It is also important to note that many official guidelines for water management are generally prepared by new presidential administrations every six years, which prevents the continuity of plans and programs, which causes waste of economic resources, which accelerates the

As can be seen in scientific reports and publications, in Mexico there is little information on the real level of concentration levels of emerging compounds, which is worrisome considering that there are currently no laws that regulate said compounds in bodies of Water. Some of the studies carried out reveal alarming concen-

Finally, the number of waste treatment plants is insufficient; in addition, the vast majority are concentrated in primary and secondary treatments, and only 0.12% apply tertiary treatments. Although some advanced methods have been implemented for the removal of organic compounds, some of them with high efficiencies, which is encouraging, however these technologies continue to be expensive, which suggests the participation of government and private companies to support projects, that yields mutual benefits for both parties; that is to say,

trations of some compounds. The foregoing suggests the implementation of intensive programs in the areas with the highest population, and regions with high industrial and agricultural activity; however, access to this type of methodologies requires highly qualified personnel, as well as high investments in the acquisition of

acronym in Spanish), has been developing different technologies for the removal of EC. Within these developments, they used biofiltration systems for biodegradation of two drugs, metformin and ciprofloxacin. Obtaining biodegradation efficiencies of 83 and 71% respectively, during 103 days of operation [30]. Likewise, in another study carried out in two wastewater treatment plants located in the states of Guanajuato and Mexico, they used a system integrated by oxidation ditches and UV light lamps, obtaining EC elimination efficiencies between 20% and 22% % (Guanajuato). Likewise, while in the other treatment that consisted of anaerobic / anoxic/aerobic tanks together with two disinfection processes; chlorine dioxide and ultraviolet lamps, the removal of EC was significant (up to 80%)

88.7%, using an electrochemical oxidation process [33].

deterioration of water and sanitation services.

(Mexico) [23].

*Emerging Contaminants*

**3. Conclusions**

supplies and equipment.

**22**

environmental, social and economic.

The authors wish to thank PRODEP (Program for the Development of Teachers), for the support in the financing of this publication. Likewise, they also wish to National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) for the grant awarded to José Gustavo Ronderos Lara.
