Written by: Patricia Beltran, Klinea Project Engineering
One of the main challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry is the management of waste generated during drug production. Normally, these effluents contain active chemical substances known as APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), which must be treated correctly to avoid a possible impact on the environment and public health. These compounds are not always completely removed in conventional water treatment plants, so more specialized solutions must be applied.
Currently, some studies have detected the presence of hormonal compounds, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals in wastewater, which reinforces the need to neutralize them adequately to prevent them from bicoming a risk to the environment.
There are different technologies for the inactivation of these wastes, the main objective of which is to ensure that they lose their pharmacological activity. These methods not only allow compliance with strict environmental regulations but also protect the ecosystem and ensure the safe reuse of treated water for other uses.
Heat treatment
This is the simplest method since it only requires the use of heat as a tool for inactivation. This process consists of exposing the effluent to high temperatures, causing its structures to decompose over a long period of time and lose their function. However, this system requires more complex and expensive equipment, involving higher consumption of steam or cooling water.
pH change
In this case, acids or bases are used, which, by reacting with the compound, generate salts or inactive compounds. This process is very useful when APIs are sensitive to pH changes, as it allows control over how they decompose. This ensures that they do not cause problems when released into the environment.
Advanced oxidation process (AOP)
Oxidation is another of the most commonly used methods. It consists of using oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or ozone, which help decompose the active molecules. In the case of ozone, it has been observed that it is a great oxidant, as it allows disinfection, discoloration, taste and odor control in the treatment of drinking water and wastewater.
Photodegradation
It is a process in which APIs are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, resulting in their decomposition. It is particularly effective for drugs that are sensitive to light, as the energy of UV light alters the molecular structures of the compounds, reducing their activity.
Biodegradation
In this method, the active compounds are decomposed by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which metabolize the pharmaceuticals and inactivate them. These microorganisms adapt their mechanisms according to the characteristics of the contaminant, thus maximizing decomposition in controlled environments.
The efficiency of biodegradation varies according to the type of pollutant and depends on environmental factors such as pH, temperature, oxygen availability…
In summary, the inactivation of residues with active ingredients in the pharmaceutical industry is essential to avoid environmental contamination and protect public health. It is very important to study each case in detail and determine which technology is best suited to the compound being treated. This not only ensures compliance with environmental regulations but also promotes sustainability by avoiding the release of persistent pollutants.
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