Pharmaceutical Wastewater Remediation: A Review of Treatment Techniques

Pharmaceutical compounds are an integral part of our life. With the rise in the different types of pharmaceutical compounds and personal care products (PPCPs), which pose a threat due to accumulation, safe methods of treatment and disposal ought to be resorted to. Complete degradation of many hazardous pharmaceutical compounds is possible by methods such as advanced oxidation methods (AOMs): photocatalysis, Fenton, electro-Fenton, ozonation; adsorption; filtration; cavitation, ultrasonic methods; and phytoremediation. This manuscript attempts to give a holistic review on the probable elimination methods applicable for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater. Photocatalysis, electro-Fenton, and combined hybrid techniques have been found as the most evolving techniques from the futuristic viewpoint, environmental consciousness, and cost efficacy. Several techniques including hybrid techniques for removal of PPCP's have been discussed in this review paper. Nearly complete removal is obtained by using light-induced systems (UV radiation or visible light) with TiO2 as a catalyst, at acidic pH in photocatalytic treatment, as well as using other hybrid treatment schemes of photocatalysis, merged with electro-Fenton and conventional systems.