The impact of antivirals in wastewater of the healthcare institutions on the performance of wastewater treatment facilities

Summary

The problem of pharmaceutical contamination with antivirals of wastewater of healthcare institutions and the negative impact on the performance of wastewater treatment facilities is considered. Special attention is paid to the main groups of antivirals, that is, neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir), nucleoside analogues (acyclovir, ribavirin), and antiretroviral agents (lamivudine, ritonavir, nevirapine), that are characterized by high biological activity, biodegradation resistance, and are difficult to remove by traditional methods (7–32%). The results of studying the impact of various groups of antivirals on nitrification, denitrification, and organics removal are presented. A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of activated sludge and attached biocenosis systems is provided. Kinetic constants of inhibition for the key biological treatment processes are presented. Technological solutions for improving the efficiency of removing antivirals from wastewater of healthcare institutions are proposed. The results are of considerable practical importance for optimizing wastewater treatment and minimizing environmental risks.

Key words

wastewater , biological treatment , nitrification , denitrification , antivirals , healthcare institutions , pharmaceutical micropollutants