Application of advanced oxidation to enhance biodegradability of pharmaceutical industry wastewaters

Pharmaceuticals formulation industry poses a problem for water pollution control due to complexity and variability of pollutant source and characteristics. In this study, wastewater character of a pharmaceuticals formulation industry and its treatability were experimentally investigated. Three groups of products that are commonly used were selected. These are liquid products, lacque tablet and antibiotics. Biological treatability and pretreatment by ozone oxidation with or without catalyst were assessed. Liquid production wastewater proved to be capable of being directly handled by the biological treatment, while lacque tablet manufacturing wastewater required pretreatment for effective biological treatment. Biological treatment of antibiotic manufacturing wastewater was found to be having no effect with or without pretreatment.