摘要：Harmful effects of antibiotics on the human body are disturbing intestinal balance and gastrointestinal disorders. The aims of this study were to detect the Oxytetracycline (OTC) in the effluent of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WTPs) of Golestan, Abuzar and Taleghani hospitals of Ahvaz, Iran; also, the evaluation of the efficiency of treatment plants for removal of OTC. This study was a cross sectional study. Samples were collected from influent and effluent of the hospitals WTPs in summer, autumn and winter. 42 samples were collected in composite form in all week days. Samples were extracted for Oxytetracycline by passing through SPE column. Ethanol and extracted OTC have been dried with nitrogen gas. Then, OTC inoculated 2 ml methanol and analyzed by HPLC. Highest Oxytetracycline concentration was observed in Taleghani hospital WTP in the summer (0.372 mg/L). The maximum removal of percentage was in the summer (97%). Lowest Oxytetracycline concentration was observed in the winter in Abuzar and Golestan hospitals WTPs. Minimum removal percentage of OTC was in autumn for Golestan hospital WTP (10%). Extended Aeration Activated Sludge (EAAS) is capable to remove oxytetracycline, with an average percentage of 53%. Oxytetracycline removal was increased in the hot season and decreased in cold season.
