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The seasonal variations in the occurrence and distribution of pharmaceuticals were evaluated in seawater and sediment of Mar Menor lagoon from spring 2010 to winter 2011. A total of 20 pharmaceuticals in seawater and 14 in sediments were found at concentrations from low ng L⁻¹ up to 168 ng L⁻¹ (azithromycin) in seawater and from low ng g⁻¹ up to 50.3 ng g⁻¹ (xylazine) in sediments. Azithromycin, xylazine and metoprolol were the most ubiquitous compounds in seawater since they were found in all seawater samples collected. Seven compounds were quantified in both matrices: clarithromycin, erythromycin, hydrochlorothiazide, irbesartan, losartan, salicylic acid and valsartan. Seasonal distribution profiles revealed different sources of pollutants associated to both, El Albujón watercourse (which receives the input of a WWTP) and other non-controlled discharges, into the lagoon. In summer the highest …