Activated Carbon Filtration Research Articles

Microplastics in anaerobic digestion: occurrence, impact, and mitigation strategies.

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental concern, with pervasive contamination in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This review paper delves into the intricate dynamics of microplastics within anaerobic digestion systems, addressing their occurrence, impact, and potential mitigation strategies. The occurrence of microplastics in anaerobic digesters is widespread, entering these systems through diverse inputs, such as sewage sludge, organic waste, and etc. Microplastics in anaerobic digestion have been associated with potential adverse impacts on biogas production, process performance, microbial communities, and degradation processes, though the relationship is complex and context dependent. This review highlights the urgent need for comprehensive research into the fate of microplastics within anaerobic digesters. Mitigation strategies offer promise in alleviating microplastic contamination, with advanced separation methods, innovative techniques such as magnetic micro-submarines, photocatalytic micro-motors, membrane bioreactors combined with activated carbon filters, rapid sand filtration, or conventional activated sludge, and disintegration-oriented techniques such as electrocatalysis, biodegradation, and thermal decomposition. Nonetheless, there is a significant knowledge gap that necessitates further research into the fate and long-term effects of microplastics in digestate. Collaborative efforts are crucial to addressing this emerging concern and ensuring the sustainability of anaerobic digestion systems in the face of microplastic challenges.

New Perspectives on the Interactions between Adsorption and Degradation of Organic Micropollutants in Granular Activated Carbon Filters.

The removal of organic micropollutants in granular activated carbon (GAC) filters can be attributed to adsorption and biological degradation. These two processes can interact with each other or proceed independently. To illustrate the differences in their interaction, three 14C-labeled organic micropollutants with varying potentials for adsorption and biodegradation were selected to study their adsorption and biodegradation in columns with adsorbing (GAC) and non-adsorbing (sand) filter media. Using 14CO2 formation as a marker for biodegradation, we demonstrated that the biodegradation of poorly adsorbing N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was more sensitive to changes in the empty bed contact time (EBCT) compared with that of moderately adsorbing diclofenac. Further, diclofenac that had adsorbed under anoxic conditions could be degraded when molecular oxygen became available, and substantial biodegradation (≥60%) of diclofenac could be achieved with a 15 min EBCT in the GAC filter. These findings suggest that the retention of micropollutants in GAC filters, by prolonging the micropollutant residence time through adsorption, can enable longer time periods for degradations than what the hydraulic retention time would allow for. For the biologically recalcitrant compound carbamazepine, differences in breakthrough between the 14C-labeled and nonradiolabeled compounds revealed a substantial retention via successive adsorption-desorption, which could pose a potential challenge in the interpretation of GAC filter performance.

Redox potential analysis for activated carbon using B.EL.D™ technology: A novel application

Assessing the effectiveness of activated carbon is essential for the optimal operation of water treatment systems. Traditional evaluation methods, although precise, are typically labor-intensive and require complex equipment This study introduces a novel application of the B.EL.D™ device, utilizing redox potential measurements to gauge the activation level of carbon filters—an approach not previously employed. We hypothesized that redox potential is a reliable indicator of activated carbon's performance, a hypothesis that was rigorously validated through extensive testing against the standard iodine number test (ASTM D4607). Our analysis included both control and operational samples from ongoing water treatment processes over two years, confirming a definitive correlation between redox potential and carbon's adsorptive capacity. The findings demonstrate the potential of our method as a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective alternative to current testing practices. Currently under patent consideration, this study marks a significant advancement towards improving the assessment of activated carbon filters, providing an efficient pathway for water treatment facilities and establishing the foundation for a predictive maintenance model.

Implications of the operation of continuous granular activated carbon filters on the effluent quality.

Granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration is a commonly used method for advanced wastewater treatment. Filters can be operated continuously or discontinuously, with continuous operation not requiring feed flow interruption for backwashing and circulation (B/C). This study investigated the influence of B/C on the effluent quality of continuous filters. Two continuous GAC filters were operated for 1.5 years, with analysis of dissolved substances and particulate matter in the influent and effluent. The results indicated that various B/C modes had no impact on the removal of dissolved organic carbon and organic micropollutants (OMP), achieving an OMP removal of over 70% after 5,600 treated bed volumes (m3 treated wastewater per m3 GAC). However, it was evident that continuous B/C over 2-4 h resulted in increased turbidity, total suspended solids over 30 mg/L and total phosphorus concentrations of 1.3 mg/L in the filter effluent. Additionally, the study demonstrated that longer and more intensive B/C processes resulted in GAC size degradation with AC concentrations of up to 6.9 mg/L in the filter effluent, along with a change in GAC particle size. Furthermore, the importance of pre-filtration in reducing particulate matter in the filter influent and decreasing hydraulic head loss could be demonstrated.

Bacterial assembly and succession patterns in conventional and advanced drinking water systems: From source to tap

Bacteria are pivotal to drinking water treatment and public health. However, the mechanisms of bacterial assembly and their impact on species coexistence remain largely unexplored. This study explored the assembly and succession of bacterial communities in two full-scale drinking water systems over one year. We observed a decline in bacterial biomass, diversity, and co-occurrence network complexity along the treatment processes, except for the biological activated carbon filtration stage. The conventional plant showed higher bacterial diversity than the advanced plant, despite similar bacterial concentrations and better removal efficiency. The biological activated carbon filter exhibited high phylogenetic diversity, indicating enhanced bacterial metabolic functionality for organic matter removal. Chlorination inactivated most bacteria but favored some chlorination-resistant and potentially pathogenic species, such as Burkholderia, Bosea, Brevundimonas, and Acinetobacter. Moreover, the spatiotemporal dynamics of the bacterial continuum were primarily driven by stochastic processes, explaining more than 78% of the relative importance. The advanced plant’s bacterial community was less influenced by dispersal limitation and more by homogeneous selection. The stochastic process regulated bacterial diversity and influenced the complexity of the species co-occurrence network. These findings deepen our understanding of microbial ecological mechanisms and species interactions, offering insights for enhancing hygienic safety in drinking water systems.

Cost-Effective Automatic Portable Air Purifier

Indoor air pollution has become a severe concern on human health due to improper ventilation, pets and fine dust particles. The demand for efficient air purifiers has surged, yet many existing solutions are generally pricey and lack portability. The suggested air purifier uses modern filtration technologies, including activated carbon filters, to remove a wide range of airborne contaminants, such as dust, allergies, pet hair, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By adopting a tiny and lightweight design, the purifier offers outstanding portability, enabling customers to experience clean and fresh air wherever they go. The proposed air purifier possesses a distinctive design that integrates a high electric field generator and UV light source. The high electric field technique effectively accumulates and neutralizes airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and germs. Simultaneously, the UV light component kills dangerous microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, by breaking their DNA structure, offering cleaner and healthier air. To achieve best performance and energy economy the air purifier adopts an automated operation mode. The device operates only upon the detection of motion a human being.

Metabolites are overlooked in environmental risk assessments and monitoring of pharmaceuticals: The case study of pantoprazole

The proton-pump inhibitor pantoprazole (PPZ) is one of the most consumed pharmaceuticals worldwide. Despite its high usage, reported PPZ concentrations in environmental water samples are comparatively low, which can be explained by the extensive metabolism of PPZ in the human body. Since most previous studies did not consider human PPZ metabolites it can be assumed that the current environmental exposure associated with the application of PPZ is substantially underestimated. In our study, 4′-O-demethyl-PPZ sulfide (M1) was identified as the predominant PPZ metabolite by analyzing urine of a PPZ consumer as well as the influent and effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). M1 was found to be ubiquitously present in WWTP effluents (max. concentration: 3 000 ng/L) and surface waters in Germany. On average, the surface water concentrations of M1 were approximately 30 times higher than those of the parent compound PPZ. Laboratory scale experiments demonstrated that activated carbon can considerably adsorb M1 und thus improve its removal during wastewater and drinking water treatment. Laboratory ozonation experiments showed a fast oxidation of M1, accompanied by the formation of several ozonation products. Certain ozonation products (identities confirmed via synthesized reference standards) were also detected in water samples collected after ozonation in a full-scale WWTP. Overall lower signal intensities were observed in the effluents of a sand filter and biologically active granular activated carbon filter, suggesting that the compounds were significantly removed during these post-ozonation treatment stages.

Occurrence, fate and potential risks of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in Elbe river water during water treatment in Dresden, Germany

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are found in most rivers facing sewage input worldwide. This study investigated the occurence of 116 PPCPs in the Elbe river in Dresden, Germany, as well as the removal efficiency at a riverbank filtration (RBF) site. The data obtained were compared with data from two additional surface water monitoring stations along the Elbe river operated by a state environmental agency. 21 PPCPs were frequently detected in all water samples with concentrations up to 1270 ng/L. Spatial occurrence and sociodemographic aspects are discussed. According to the European Guideline for Environmental Risk Assessment, carbamazepine, diclofenac, iomeprol and venlafaxine indicate a suspected risk for the aquatic environment but not for drinking water quality in the Dresden region. Water treatment using a combination of natural treatment techniques and post-treatment using activated carbon filtration and disinfection proved to be an efficient barrier to drinking water pollution by PPCPs.

Innovative Design and Implementation of Portable and Rechargeable Air Purifier and Humidifier

This study presents the innovative design and successful implementation of a Portable and Rechargeable Air Purifier and Humidifier (PRAPH) aimed at addressing indoor air quality issues in Uganda. The device combines air purification and humidification functionalities into a compact, user-friendly, and energy-efficient unit. The design phase of the PRA-PH involved a thorough analysis of existing air purifiers and humidifiers, identifying key limitations such as limited portability, energy inefficiency, and complex maintenance requirements. The system incorporates high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, activated carbon filters, and ultrasonic humidification technology to effectively remove particulate matter, allergens, and airborne contaminants while simultaneously maintaining optimal humidity levels. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery was integrated to ensure portability, enabling users to use the PRA-PH without relying on a constant power source. Additionally, smart sensors and microcontroller-based control systems were employed to automate the device's operation, adjusting purification and humidification settings based on real-time air quality measurements. The PRA-PH was subjected to rigorous testing to evaluate its efficiency in purifying air and maintaining suitable humidity levels across various indoor environments. The results demonstrated significant improvements in air quality, showcasing the device's ability to effectively remove pollutants and maintain a comfortable humidity range. This study contributes to a portable and rechargeable air purifier and humidifier system that addresses the limitations of existing solutions. The PRA-PH's innovative design, efficient operation, and user-friendly interface make it a promising option for individuals seeking a convenient and effective way to improve indoor air quality and enhance the overall well-being of Ugandans.

Aluminum Nitride Thin Film Piezoelectric Pressure Sensor for Respiratory Rate Detection.

In this study, we propose a low-cost piezoelectric flexible pressure sensor fabricated on Kapton® (Kapton™ Dupont) substrate by using aluminum nitride (AlN) thin film, designed for the monitoring of the respiration rate for a fast detection of respiratory anomalies. The device was characterized in the range of 15-30 breaths per minute (bpm), to simulate moderate difficult breathing, borderline normal breathing, and normal spontaneous breathing. These three breathing typologies were artificially reproduced by setting the expiratory to inspiratory ratios (E:I) at 1:1, 2:1, 3:1. The prototype was able to accurately recognize the breath states with a low response time (~35 ms), excellent linearity (R2 = 0.997) and low hysteresis. The piezoelectric device was also characterized by placing it in an activated carbon filter mask to evaluate the pressure generated by exhaled air through breathing acts. The results indicate suitability also for the monitoring of very weak breath, exhibiting good linearity, accuracy, and reproducibility, in very low breath pressures, ranging from 0.09 to 0.16 kPa. These preliminary results are very promising for the future development of smart wearable devices able to monitor different patients breathing patterns, also related to breathing diseases, providing a suitable real-time diagnosis in a non-invasive and fast way.

Adsorption characteristics of used granular activated carbon regenerated by ultrasonic backwashing

Activated carbon is used in water-treatment processes owing to its strong adsorption capacity. Ultrasonic-backwash regeneration of particulate activated carbon in an ozone activated carbon filter was investigated with sodium benzoate as the model pollutant, and the effects of regeneration parameters (ultrasonic frequency, power, regeneration time, and backwashing intensity) on the regeneration efficiency of the activated carbon were studied. The regenerated carbon was characterized by BET, SEM, XPS, and strength, and compared with used activated carbon. The ideal regeneration parameters were determined to be 120 kHz ultrasonic frequency, 360 W ultrasonic power, 1 L/min backwashing intensity, and 10 min regeneration time. The results showed that ultrasonic treatment changes part of the pore structure of the activated carbon; that the high-speed microjets generated by cavitation as well as the high-pressure microbubbles play important roles in the regeneration of the activated carbon; and that backwashing facilitates a range of ultrasonic action on the activated carbon, positively affecting the regeneration process.

Adaptation of water treatment processes for controlling disinfection byproducts in supply waters to compensate the effects of climate change

The water treatment processes (WTPs) need adaptation to climate change. Safe water supply is being challenged by the deteriorating trend of water quality, which can increase disinfection byproducts and impose cancer/non-cancer risks to humans. In this study, implications of climate change and water quality deterioration on the formation of trihalomethanes' (THMs), and risks from 2020 to 2050 were predicted. In 2020, averages of temperature, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and pH in source waters from Newfoundland (Canada) were 7.92 °C, 6.40 mg/L and 6.53 respectively, which were predicted to be 9.95 °C, 8.56 mg/L and 7.65, respectively in 2050. Three scenarios of free chlorine and bromide ions [(2.0 mg/L, 10 μg/L), (3.5 mg/L, 25 μg/L) and (5.0 mg/L, 50 μg/L)] were simulated. Two models (Model-1 and Model-2) were applied for predicting THMs, risks and allowable DOC for target risks. For Model-1, DOC in 2030, 2040 and 2050 were predicted to be in the ranges of 4.53–4.92, 3.32–3.84 and 2.49–3.06 mg/L respectively to impose similar risks as of 2020. For Model-2, DOC ranges were 5.02–5.95, 3.92–4.99 and 3.60–4.80 mg/L respectively. The lower ranges of DOC in future years were due to increased effects of pH and temperature. To maintain the risks of 2050 to the levels of 2020, WTPs need to reduce DOC by 64.3–70.9 % (Model-1) and 43.8–57.9 % (Model-2). The granular activated carbon filtration is widely used for reducing DOC, which can be further assessed for extensive applications in the WTPs.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals in Italian drinking water systems: Insights from a three-year investigation combining chemical and effect-based tools

Drinking water quality can be compromised by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Three phenolic compounds [bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), and 4-octylphenol (OP)] and three hormones [17β-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2)] were analyzed as EDCs potentially occurring in source and drinking water from three full-scale drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) in the Romagna area (Italy) by a combined approach of HPLC-MS/MS target analysis and effect-based tests for estrogenicity and genotoxicity. The EDC removal efficiency was evaluated at different steps along the treatment process in the most advanced DWTP. NP prevailed in all samples, followed by BPA. Sporadic contamination by OP and E1/E2 appeared only in the source waters; EE2 was never detected. No estrogenic or genotoxic activity was found, except for two samples showing estrogenicity well below the effect-based trigger value suggested for drinking water safety (0.9 ng/L EEQ). BPA and NP levels were largely below the threshold value; however, increases were observed after the intermediate steps of the treatment chain. The good quality of the water relied on the last step, i.e. the activated carbon filtration. DWTPs may represent an extra source of EDCs and monitoring chemical occurrence at all steps of the process is advisable to improve efficiency.

Effects of running time on biological activated carbon filters: water purification performance and microbial community evolution.

Ozone-biologically activated carbon (BAC) filtration is an advanced treatment process that can be applied to remove recalcitrant organic micro-pollutants in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). In this study, we continuously monitored a new and an old BAC filter in a DWTP for 1year to compare their water purification performance and microbial community evolution. The results revealed that, compared with the new filter, the use of the old BAC filter facilitated a slightly lower rate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal. In the case of the new BAC filter, we recorded general increases in the biomass and microbial diversity of the biofilm with a prolongation of operating time, with the biomass stabilizing after 7months. For both new and old BAC filters, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla. At the genus level, the microbial community gradually shifted over the course of operation from a predominance of Herminiimonas and Hydrogenophaga to one predominated by Bradyrhizbium, Bryobacter, Hyphomicrobium, and Pedomicrobium, with Bradyrhizobium being established as the most abundant genus in the old BAC filter. Regarding spatial distribution, we detected reductions in the biomass and number of operational taxonomic units with increasing biofilm depth, whereas there was a corresponding increase in microbial diversity. However, compared with the effects of time, the influence of depth on the composition of the biofilm microbial community was considerably smaller. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the microbial community network of the new filter after 11months of operation was the most tightly connected, although its modular coefficient was the lowest of those assessed. We speculate that the positive and negative interactions within the network may be attributable to symbiotic or competitive relationships among species. Moreover, there may have been a significant negative interaction between SWB02 and Acidovorax, plausibly associated with a competition for substrates.

Harnessing the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Strychnos potatorum seeds impregnated with activated carbon for an effective removal of fluoride in deep soil water

Abstract Fluoride (F−) contamination in global water sources is a growing concern, prompting the need for innovative solutions. This explores a novel method using zinc oxide nanoparticle-activated carbon (ZnO-NP/AC) composite for efficient fluoride removal from deep soil water, aiming to evaluate its effectiveness in attracting fluoride contaminants. The focus is on treatment of water sample collected from Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, using green synthesis method for ZnO-NP/AC column filter. Employed an exclusive column adsorption method, investigated on physiochemical parameters in water before and after running the column. Fluoride concentration and TDS where significantly harnessed in water after running the green synthesis composite column filter. Characterization of green synthesized nanoparticles of Strychnos potatorum seed powder synthesis with ZnO NPs. Green synthesis successes were confirmed in two ways; one way is UV-visible spectrophotometer technique in depth quantity peak and another one is graphically peak from SEM, density and crystalline structure in XRD techniques. Column composite with S.potatorum ZnO-AC NPs has removed fluoride efficiently (80.5%) at range of 20 g/L for a contact time of 60 minutes, surpassing World health organization (WHO) guidelines for safe drinking water. In conclusion ZnO-AC NPs composite is a sustainable and cost-effective method for effective removal of fluoride contaminants from deep soil water, addressing a pressing global issue.

Application of coconut shell activated carbon filter in vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland for enhanced multi-metal bioremediation and antioxidant response of Salvinia cucullate

Coconut shell activated carbon (CNSAC) was applied as a filter layer in hybrid vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland (H-VSSF-CW), in order to enhance the multi-metal removal efficiency of the constructed wetland (CW) and to reduce heavy metal accumulation on Salvinia cucullata. Treatment P + AC, (having CNSAC filter layer), showed 32, 21 and 34% more Cd, Cr, and Pb removal efficiency than treatment P (without CNSAC layer). CNSAC activated carbon adsorbed Cd and Pb and Cr by functional groups –NH, -NO2, -C-O, –OH and –CO, and significantly reduced Cd and Pb exposure to S. cucullate. Chromium adsorption by CNSAC filter layer was half (just 25% of total input) of the Cd and Pb. In treatment P, due to high Cd, Pb and Cr accumulation in S. cucullate, the antioxidant defense mechanism of the plant was collapsed and cell death was observed, which in turn has resulted reduced biomass gain (5% reduction). On the other hand, in treatment P + AC, an antioxidant defense mechanism was active in the form significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased of SOD, CAT and proline content while reduced MDA, EL, %EB and soluble sugar. So, the application of CNSAC increased the heavy metal removal efficiency of H-VSSF-CW by adsorption of a considerable share of heavy metal and hence, reduced the heavy metal load/exposure to S. cucullate.

The Drawback of Optimizing Air Cleaner Filters for the Adsorption of Formaldehyde

Air cleaners with activated carbon (AC) filters for the adsorption of gaseous pollutants are often used to improve indoor air quality. As formaldehyde is a common and health-relevant indoor air pollutant, many testing standards for air cleaners, such as GB/T 18801:2015, require the cleaning efficacy to be tested with this substance. This often persuades manufacturers to optimize the employed filters specifically for formaldehyde. However, in regions where indoor formaldehyde levels are far below the guideline values, other gaseous pollutants might be more relevant. Thus, the question arises of whether the optimization for formaldehyde can have a negative impact on the adsorption of other gases. To address this question, the clean air delivery rate (CADR) of an air cleaner was determined for different test gases with either a standard AC filter or an AC filter modified for improved formaldehyde adsorption. Although the modified AC filter performed substantially better for formaldehyde, a strong reduction in the CADR was observed for toluene and nitrogen dioxide. This is a drawback for situations in which these gases are more problematic than formaldehyde. The findings suggest using either specialized filters for different applications or blends of different adsorbants to find the best compromise for the most relevant pollutants.

Coffee Shop Liquid Waste Treatment System Using Portable Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP)

Coffee shops produce waste that is included in the category of domestic waste in a fairly large amount. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out domestic wastewater management. One solution is the design of an integrated portable WWTP that can treat waste from coffee shop business activities. The advantages of using WWTP are that it is simple and does not require large amounts of land. The processing of this WWTP consists of filtration and precipitation. The wastewater to be filtered will be separated from the solids, after which it will be continued with stratified filtration using activated carbon. In the study, variations in flow rate were carried out to determine processing efficiency, namely variations in tap openings of 30o, 45o, and 90owith water flow rate of 200, 360, and 570 mL/s. The result of research, the portable Wastewater Treatment Plant with activated carbon filtration designed has been able to treat coffee shop liquid waste. The variation of flow rate in the processing of coffee shop liquid waste affects the processing results where the smaller the flow rate, the greater the efficiency reduction. The optimum flow rate variation in this study is 200 mL/s with a COD removal efficiency of 48.5%, TSS 72.8%, Coliform 66.6%, TDS 62.5%, and pH 6.2. The suggestion that can be given is the addition of a biological treatment system to optimize the performance of Portable WWTP.

Influence of phosphate on bacterial release from activated carbon point-of-use filters and on biofilm characteristics

Point-of-use (POU) filters certified to remove lead are often composed of activated carbon and have been shown to release high concentrations of bacteria, including opportunistic pathogens. In this study, we examine the impacts of the common corrosion inhibitor phosphate on biofilm characteristics and the relationship between biofilm structure and bacterial release from POU filters. This knowledge is essential for understanding how best to use the filters and where these filters fit in a system where other lead contamination prevention measures may be in place. We measured the bacterial release from activated carbon POU filters fed with groundwater - a common source of drinking water - with and without phosphate. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to quantitatively characterize biofilm growing on activated carbon filter material in which the biofilms were fed groundwater with and without phosphate. Phosphate filters released significantly less (57–87 %) bacteria than groundwater filters, and phosphate biofilms (median thickness: 82–331 μm) grew to be significantly thicker than groundwater biofilms (median thickness: 122–221 μm). The phosphate biofilm roughness ranged from 97 to 142 % of the groundwater biofilm roughness and was significantly greater in most weeks. Phosphate biofilms also had fewer pores per biofilm volume and shorter channels connecting those pores.

An integrated system combining electrochemical oxidation and filtration processes to remove chlorine from pharmaceutical industry wastewater

This research devised an efficient method to treat wastewater generated from heparin production at a local Taiwanese company. The approach combined electrochemical techniques with filtration processes to manage the wastewater, which exhibited high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), organic matter, and chlorine concentration, requiring treatment before disposal or potential reuse. A specialized electrochemical oxidation (EO) system was customized for processing 500 mL of solution at a 2A current, working in tandem with an activated carbon filter chamber. Various experiments were conducted, altering potential and adsorption times, to understand their correlation in eliminating the identified pollutants in pharmaceutical wastewater. Notably, sample 4 (S4), following an electrolysis process at 2A-12 V in 5 h and subsequent adsorption by 10 g of activated carbon for 60 min, exhibited remarkable efficacy Specifically, this treatment regime facilitated the removal of over 90 % (from 14,750 to 1422 mg/L) of chlorine concentration, 91 % (from 1.12 to 0.09 a.u.) of turbidity, and 88 % (from 22,676 to 2786 mg/L) of COD from the effluent stream. These favorable outcomes were attributed to the conversion of chlorine ions into hypochlorous acid, renowned for its potent antibacterial properties in eliminating organic compounds, as well as the robust adsorption capabilities of activated carbon. This study underscores the viability of employing surface adsorption and electrochemical processes in tandem, utilizing low input currents and brief treatment durations, to treat pharmaceutical wastewater effectively.