Pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater have become a significant environmental concern, as many of these compounds are resistant to conventional treatment methods and can persist in water systems. Ozone, a powerful oxidizing agent, offers an efficient and sustainable solution for breaking down these contaminants.
Reducing pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater
EU Wastewater Directive
The new EU Wastewater Directive, which aims to enhance the protection of water resources and improve the quality of treated wastewater, has significant implications for wastewater treatment processes, particularly for the addition of a 4th treatment step. A 4th treatment step, often referred to as advanced treatment or tertiary treatment, typically focuses on removing additional contaminants that are not sufficiently addressed by the primary, secondary, and tertiary stages. The new EU directive is particularly concerned with substances such as micro-pollutants, pharmaceuticals, and hormones that conventional treatment methods might not fully remove.
Avoiding the introduction of secondary pollutants
Ozone’s efficiency extends to a wide range of pharmaceutical compounds, including antibiotics, hormones, and pain relievers, making it a versatile choice for wastewater treatment. Additionally, ozone treatment is a chemical-free process, avoiding the introduction of secondary pollutants and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable approach to water purification.
Complementary technologies such as activated carbon
Ozone becomes even more effective when combined with complementary technologies such as activated carbon. This combination enhances the removal of pharmaceutical residues, as ozone breaks down the compounds into smaller, biodegradable fragments, which can then be further adsorbed by activated carbon. Together, these technologies create a synergistic effect, achieving higher levels of purification and improving the overall efficiency of the wastewater treatment process.
By integrating ozone with other advanced treatment methods, municipal wastewater facilities can achieve superior results, reducing pharmaceutical contaminants and safeguarding water quality for both ecosystems and communities.