Pharma-Ecology, 2nd Edition

9Technologies for Removing and Reducing PPCPs in the Environment

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Distinction between primary, secondary, and advanced treatment processes.
2. Recent advances in treatment technologies such as microfiltration, UV treatment, activated carbon, and electrolysis to remove PPCPs from (waste)water.
3. Differences in membrane composition/design, technology, and performance.
4. Impact of various disinfectants on PPCPs.
5. Feasibility of decentralized sewage treatment systems on reducing pollution from PPCPs.

Excretion is the most significant mode of pharmaceutical entry into the environment. Similarly, most personal care products end up in wastewater and sullage. To that effect, wastewater treatment technologies and their efficacy in removing PPCP are examined. Conventional wastewater treatment typically involves adding chemicals (i.e. alum, ferric chloride, and/or synthetic polymers) to neutralize suspended sediments (coagulation) and aggregate the particles (flocculation). The resulting flocs are separated to generate sludge, and the filtrate is disinfected to neutralize pathogens. From a public health perspective, this process effectively guards against pathogens but does not adequately eliminate pharmaceutical and personal care products in wastewater. Degradation and adsorption of PPCPs on wastewater flocs and sludge was discussed in Chapter 7. The current chapter focuses on the actual techniques used to reduce or eliminate PPCPs from environmental matrices. Wastewater ...