Removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products during activated-sludge wastewater treatment

Eric Dickenson, Jörg E. Drewes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The recent detection of a variety of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs), such as Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), in municipal wastewater effluent has raised concerns about the presence of these compounds in reclaimed water and the environment. The sludge retention time (SRT) is a critical operational parameter for secondary wastewater treatment that can be potentially optimized to enhance the removal of EOCs by biodegradation. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of SRT on the biodegradation of PPCPs during activated-sludge wastewater treatment using an experimental setup that consisted of a laboratory-scale flow-through activated-sludge system. The activated sludge system was operated at SRTs of 1, 5, 10, 35, 55, and 120 days and critical SRTs were determined for the removal of 18 PPCPs.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008
Subtitle of host publicationAhupua'a - Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'a - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: 12 May 200816 May 2008

Publication series

NameWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'a - Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008
Volume316

Conference

ConferenceWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'a
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period12/05/0816/05/08

Keywords

  • Sludge
  • Wastewater management

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