Study on Advanced Biological Treatment for Pharma Effluents Using Bioreactor Systems

Pharmaceutical wastewater from a penicillin production facility was treated using Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) and Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs) under two organic loading rates (OLRs). At low OLR (0.22 kg-COD/m3/day), both systems achieved regulatory compliance except for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). MBRs showed superior solids removal, while SBRs demonstrated enhanced degradation of aromatic compounds (UVA524 reduction). At high OLR (2.92 kg- COD/m3/day), both reactors exhibited instability due to foaming, likely caused by inhibitory aromatics. Ozonation was evaluated as a pre-treatment for two effluent streams. It significantly improved biodegradability in the strong stream (UVA524 reduction, pH drop, increased BOD5; COD) but was less effective on biofilter-treated effluent. Results highlight the efficacy of combining oxidative and biological processes for robust pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.