Challenges in Pharmaceutical Waste Stream Treatment: The Potential of 374Water’s AirSCWO Solution
Pharmaceutical manufacturing processes generate large volumes of wastewater replete with organic residues, heavy metals, and various persistent contaminants. These waste streams present unique challenges due to their high chemical oxygen demand (COD), fluctuating pH levels, and resistance to biodegradation. Furthermore, the presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other micro-pollutants can pose potential threats to both environmental and human health.
New Era of Pharmaceutical Waste Treatment
Pharmaceutical manufacturing processes generate large volumes of wastewater replete with organic residues, heavy metals, and various persistent contaminants. These waste streams present unique challenges due to their high chemical oxygen demand (COD), fluctuating pH levels, and resistance to biodegradation. Furthermore, the presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other micro-pollutants can pose potential threats to both environmental and human health.
The Potential of 374Water’s AirSCWO Solution
The AirSCWO solution, developed by 374Water, leverages the unique properties of water in its supercritical state (374°C and 22.1 MPa) to effectively treat pharmaceutical organic waste streams.
In the AirSCWO process, oxygen is introduced into a system containing supercritical water, resulting in the rapid oxidation of organic substances. This process transforms the most persistent pollutants into benign substances, such as carbon dioxide and water. The reduced solubility of inorganic compounds also facilitates the precipitation and removal of heavy metals.
The AirSCWO solution outshines traditional treatments in several ways:
1. Superior degradation of pollutants: The AirSCWO process can effectively oxidize even the most resistant organic compounds, including APIs, ensuring more comprehensive wastewater treatment.
2. Flexibility: Due to its inherent mechanism, AirSCWO can handle high COD loads and fluctuations in wastewater composition, making it highly adaptable to varying pharmaceutical waste streams.
3. Resource recovery: The technology allows for the recovery of water and heat energy, facilitating a circular approach to resource management and enhancing sustainability.
4. Reduced secondary pollution: Unlike methods like activated carbon adsorption, AirSCWO does not produce secondary pollutants.
5. Economic efficiency: Although the upfront costs might be higher, the long-term operational and maintenance costs can be significantly lower, yielding considerable savings over time.
374Water is at the forefront of pharmaceutical waste management solutions. Our AirSCWO commercial unit addresses the above and more for pharmaceutical manufacturers.