Treatment of Pharmaceutical Effluents by Hybrid Advanced Oxidation Process

Abstract

"Detection of pharmaceuticals in surface and ground water has become very frequent worldwide. The elevated concentration of pharmaceuticals is also raising concerns among researchers. These active organic compounds have become a major concern owing to their toxicity towards aquatic and human life. Excretion and improper disposal by the manufacturers are the main contributors. Most pharmaceuticals are found in the aquatic environment in their original or slightly modified form due to ineffective treatment in the urban wastewater treatment plants. Various processes have been applied for the degradation of pharmaceuticals. The formation of toxic metabolites and low mineralization were the main issues to be tackled."