Optimization of antibiotic reduction process from hospital wastewater using UASB reactor

Emadi Khiav, Amir Ali; Mafigholami, Roya; Daoud, Asghar; Mahvi, Amir Hossein; Salimi, Lida

doi:10.22112/jwwse.2025.498528.1429

Optimization of antibiotic reduction process from hospital wastewater using UASB reactor

Articles in Press

Authors

Amir Ali Emadi Khiav ¹

Roya Mafigholami ²

Asghar Daoud ³

Amir Hossein Mahvi ⁴

Lida Salimi ⁵

¹ PhD student in Environmental Engineering, Water and Sewerage, Faculty of Art, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environment, Islamic Azad University, Tehran West Branch.

² Faculty of Engineering, Islamic Azad University West Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

³ Department of Medicinal Chemistry , TeMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

⁵ Environment Engineering ,Marine Science &Technology Faculty, Azad Islamic University (North Tehran Branch), Tehran, Iran

10.22112/jwwse.2025.498528.1429

Abstract

Introduction: The introduction of antibiotics into the river system regardless of proper treatment leads to the increase of bacterial resistance, geotoxicity and genetic disorders in the society, hence the implementation of efficient treatment in medical centers is very important. Materials and methods: In this study, the establishment of an upward flow anaerobic sludge reactor or UASB was investigated in order to remove antibiotics from hospital wastewater. The reactor was started using activated sludge from the hospital. In order to start the reactor, the sludge was soaked for 48 hours. The amount of antibiotics injected was azithromycin 5.2 mg/liter and ceftriaxone 6.7 mg/liter. Results: The optimal conditions of reactor activity were 6 hours of hydraulic retention time, pH 6, cell retention time of 30 days and temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, in which COD removal efficiency was 81.58 mg/liter, BOD 83.12. mg/liter, the removal percentage of azithromycin antibiotic 86.35 mg/liter and the removal percentage of ceftriaxone antibiotic 874/52 mg/liter. Discussion and conclusion: The successful efficiency of the system in reducing the antibiotic load of wastewater and the lack of sludge removal from this system has turned this system into a clean system for the environment.

Keywords

Antibiotic

Anaerobic Treatment

Anaerobic Sludge Reactor Up Flow

Hospital Wastewater