The occurrence of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) was investigated in the Somes River. The aim of this study was to obtain a first overview about the contamination of Somes River (Transylvania) with PPCPs. The samples were preconcentrated by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) procedures and analysed by GC/MS. A number of 15 compounds including pharmaceutics, metabolites, intermediates and musk fragrances were detected in concentration ranging from 30 ng/1 to 10 mu g/1. The detected pharmaceuticals are included in following therapeutic groups: analgesics, antiepileptics, psychiatric, stimulants, anticoagulants, antineoplastic and disinfectants. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.