Wastewater from pharmaceutical industries has a high concentration of contaminants, and is challenging to decompose. Complex components, various organic pollutants, high COD and BOD values, and significant fluctuations characterises it.
In pharmaceutical wastewater, there is a significant difference between BOD and COD values, as well as high levels of NH3-N, toxicity, and suspended solids. Pharmaceutical wastewater is typically treated using chemical, biological, and physico-chemical techniques.
How is MBR used to treat pharmaceutical wastewater?
MBR technology is now widely used in the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater, because it is one of the most cost-effective treatment techniques. The two types of MBR membranes that are frequently used are microfiltration membrane and ultrafiltration membrane, respectively, based on the pore size of the membrane.
It can be divided into organic membranes and inorganic membranes, depending on the material. Organic membrane is frequently used in MBR membrane because it is relatively inexpensive.
What are the pharmaceutical industry's sources of wastewater?
Pharmaceuticals (API and all) from production, chemicals and solvents from quality control, and oil and grease from utilities and maintenance, are typically found in pharmaceutical effluent.
The following are some benefits of MBR Technology over conventional methods for treating pharmaceutical wastewater:
· Improved filtration performance
There is a lot of suspended matter in the pharmaceutical wastewater. The concentration of the suspended substance is almost zero, thanks to the membrane's effective separation.
Additionally, some wastewater has high toxin content, which is easily able to cause sludge expansion. The membrane module's separation function ensures the effluent's is safe to discharge.
· Increased biochemical competence
The majority of the activated sludge is kept in the reactor due to the use of MBR Membrane Modules, which significantly increases the sludge's concentration and activity.
In contrast, the conventional method results in significant losses of activated sludge following sludge expansion.
· More effective organic matter degradation
In contrast to conventional processes, the pharmaceutical wastewater contains refractory organics that are intercepted, and given a longer contact time with microorganisms. This benefits the growth of some obligate microorganisms, and increases the effectiveness of refractory organics' purification.
· Greater impact of ammonia nitrogen removal
The MBR tank contains a sizable population of nitrifying bacteria. The slow glowing nitrifying bacteria remain in the MBR tank due to the membrane's separation, which supports their growth and reproduction. The ammonia nitrogen in the MBR tank is effectively removed, by the significant build-up of nitrifying bacteria there.
Conclusion
The operating costs of MBR will decrease as MBR membrane research and development technology advances, membrane quality improves, and membrane costs decrease. MBR, a cutting-edge technology, has a promising future for treating pharmaceutical wastewater in the long run.
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