Photocatalytic degradation of N-desmethyl, N,N-bidesmethyl and N-oxide-tramadol was studied.
Degradation of all studied compounds was strongly inhibited in wastewater.
Hydroxylation and oxidation are the main degradation pathways.
HO• are the main reactive radicals during the photocatalytic process.
A significant abatement of the overall toxicity was accomplished.