Advanced Oxidation Treatment of Emerging Pollutants from Pharmaceutical Industrial Wastewaters – A Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wastewater arising from pharmaceutical manufacturing industries typically carries elevated levels of toxic organic and inorganic compounds, both biodegradable and non-biodegradable, in addition to pharmaceutical residues. The pharmaceutical industry is characterized by its considerable diversity, encompassing multiple divisions such as chemical synthesis, fermentation, biological, or natural extraction, and compounding or formulation and the wastewater generated from these divisions’ exhibits significant variations in composition. Since pharmaceutical residues are characteristic refractory organic molecules in water, they are hazardous to humans and the ecosystem, making them a priority contaminant. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) offer the ability to treat pharmaceutical wastewater. In this paper, manufacturing processes adopted in pharmaceutical industry and chemical and photo chemical AOPs for treatment of wastewater from the industry are critically evaluated. AOPs induced by sulfate and hydroxyl radicals were also discussed. To enhance comprehension of the efficacy of these AOPs, the experimental outcomes of prior research publications pertaining to the elimination of emerging pollutants have been compiled under every area. The review will give insights for the pharmaceutical industry wastewater treatment and subsequently help the industry to choose the best treatment method. The combination of AOPs are more effective at removing emerging pollutants in terms of higher degradation efficacies.