https://phys.org/news/2018-06-processingnew-method-hormones.html

The new membrane technology method combines the advantages of adsorption (binding) of micropollutants by an activated carbon adsorber with those of ultrafiltration of pollutant particles by a semi-permeable membrane. In the integrated system, the wastewater is first "pressed" through a polymer membrane in which the microorganisms and larger impurities are retained. Behind this membrane, a layer of special activated carbon is located, which originally was developed for air filters. Its surface has a high affinity to hormones, which means that carbon and hormone molecules readily form new compounds. Moreover, the activated carbon can be passed by large amounts of water and bind many molecules. The energy needed is far smaller than that of alternative methods, such as reverse osmosis.

"The special configuration of activated carbon and a polymer membrane is water-repellent, ensures a high water flow rate due to the large specific surface area of the carbon particles used, and works rapidly and energy-efficiently," Schäfer summarizes the advantages. The adsorption layer has a thickness of about two millimeters and, hence, is extremely thin, but removes hormone molecules at realistic concentrations. Laboratory experiments have shown that 60% of the hormone pollutants can be eliminated at a water volume of nine liters and a very small membrane surface of 38 cm2. Depending on the thickness of the adsorption layer, this value can be increased to 90%.