EFFLUCENT TESTING AND TREATMENT IN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

INTRODUCTION
Pharmaceutical industries particularly the bulk drug manufacturing units produce a lot of
effluents, which may affect the health, and safety of people. The pharmaceutical industries
should therefore be situated far away from housing colonies so as to avoid causing pollution and
environmental hazards. Toxic and harmful effluents cause a hazardous effect on the human
health. It is for this reason that Government of India has enacted the Environmental Protection
Act in 1986. The term environment includes land, water and air. Environmental pollution may
be in the form of solid, liquid or gas. Noise and radiation pollution is also environmental hazards.
Environmental pollution is caused by manufacturing, processing, chemical reaction and
treatment.
With liquid wastes, it may be possible to dispose of untreated effluents to a municipal
sewage plant. This will however depend on the composition, strength and volume of the effluent.
In some locations, municipal sewers are not available or the effluent may be of such a
composition, that it requires some form of pretreatment before being discharged into the sewage
plant. In these cases effluent treatment plant has to be installed at the factory. The industrial
waste may be containing inorganic, organic, synthetic or natural materials. It may be an acidic or
alkaline. Pharmaceutical wastes may be from fermentation industry during manufacture of
antibiotics, inorganic solids, and washings of floor, equipment, machinery, instruments,
glassware, chemical wastes, gases and solvent vapors. The type and extent of contamination
could be quantitated with the help of the BOD (Bio Chemical Oxygen Demand). BOD is the
measure of the quantity of oxygen required for the oxidation of organic matter in water, by
microorganisms present, in a given time internal at a given temperature. Since oxygen is
essential for the survival of most macro-organisms, it is important to ensure that there are
adequate levels of dissolved oxygen in rivers, lakes etc, if they have to be maintained
satisfactorily. Ideally the oxygen concentration should be at least 90% of the saturation
concentration at the ambient temperature and salinity. It is important to know how effluents
containing soluble and particulate organic matter can influence the dissolved oxygen
concentration. Hence the dissolved oxygen concentration is assessed by BOD.
Effluent testing is also done to find out
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Pollution load.
Presence of toxic ingredients like Cyanide, Cadmium, Mercury etc.
Color, turbidity, odor and quality of water.
Temperature
pH and acidity / alkalinity.
Suspended solids and dissolved solids.
Volatile materials and oily materials,
Phendic compounds.

GUIDE LINES FOR TESTING EFFLUENTS

1. The samples may be collected at specific intervals and finally can be mixed before
analysis.
2. The dissolved gases like O2, CO2, CO may be estimated.
3. The samples could be preserved after adjusting the pH.
4. The samples may also be refrigerated to avoid loss of volatile matter.
5. Additional preservatives may be added if required.
6. For collecting and storing samples, containers made up of glass,polythene or any suitable
plastic material may be used.
THE RESULTS OF TESTING ARE REPORTED AS FOLLOWS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Ingredients in effluents may be expressed as mg/ltr, ppm, %/ltr, and mcg/ltr.

The physico-chemical properties like BOD, COD are expressed as mcg/ltr.
Ammonial Nitrogen in mg/ltr.
Total Nitrogen (Kjeldal method) in mg/ltr.
Non metallic impurities may be reported as Calcium carbonate, Fluorides, Sulphates,
Phosphates etc., in mg/ltr.
6. Acidity / Alkalinity / Oil / Grease / CN / Phenol / Dyes content should be reported.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL MEASUREMENTS OF EFFLUENTS

Effluents have to be evaluated for the following physico-chemical parameters:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Color
Turbidity
Odor
Solids (mg/ltr) by gravimetric method.

FACTORS INVOLVED IN SETTING UP AN ETP IN A FACTORY

Factory Surveys
A complete survey of factory operations is essential for any individual site before an
economical waste treatment programme can be planned. It is necessary to divide the factory into
as many units as possible as the knowledge of various material streams may show unexpected
losses of finished product, solvent wastage, excessive use of water or unnecessary contamination
of water might be recycled in the factory.
Factors to investigate in a factory effluent survey are as follows
1. Daily flow rate

2. Turbidity
3. Suspended solids their nature
4. BOD
5. COD
6. pH range
7. Temperature range
8. Presence of toxic materials, metals, free chlorides, sulphides, cyanides, phenols, etc.
9. Odors, tastes
10. Color
11. Hardness
12. Detergents
13. Radio activity
The survey of the above factors may indicate a need for better control of water usage. It
should be possible to identify sources of uncontaminated and contaminated water that might be
reused in the factory. Concentrated waste streams should be kept separate if they contain
materials that can be profitably recovered. It is also economical to treat a concentrate rather than
a large volume of a dilute effluent because of the saving on pumps and settling tank capacities.
The various wastes may be tested in a lab and on a pilot scale to assess the best potential
methods of chemical and biological treatment. Once the pH of the effluents is known, samples
may be mixed to see if a neutral pH is reached. A variety of tests may be used to establish
methods for reducing salt concentrations, coagulating suspended particles and colloidal materials
and for breaking emulsions.
If the above survey is comprehensive it should be possible to plan an overall treatment
programme for a factory site and establish:
1. Water sources which can be combined for reuse.
2. Concentrated waste streams, which contain valuable wastes, to be recovered as food, animal
feed, fertilizer or fuel.
3. Toxic effluents needing special treatment or acids or alkalis needing neutralizing.
4. The effluents which might be discharged directly without treatment, to rivers or the sea and
not cause any pollution.
5. The effluent loading expected under maximum production conditions.
6. The effluents which might be discharged into municipal servers.
When all the relevant information has been obtained one can predict the size and type of
factory effluent treatment plant, its operational costs, the cost of water used and sewage works
charges.
TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF EFFLUENTS
The effluent disposal procedure which is finally adopted by a particular manufacturer is
determined by several factors. The most important is the control exercised by the relevant

authorities on the quantity and quality of the waste discharge and the way in which it might be
done.
THE DIFFERENT EFFLUENT DISPOSAL METHODS ARE
1. The effluent is discharged to a river / sea in an untreated state.
2. The effluent is discharged to the ground, a lagoon, an unused well or mine.
3. Part of the effluent is untreated and discharged as in 1 or 2; the remainder is treated at the
sewage works.
4. All the effluent is sent to the sewage works for treatment and discharge.
5. All the effluent is treated at the factory before discharge.
EFFLUENT TESTING
Physico chemical measurement of effluents
BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND
It is the amounts of oxygen required by micro organisms to bio chemically oxidize
carbonaceous organic matter at 20o C in 5 days. It will quantify organic material which can serve
as food for micro organisms for energy and reproduction. Excess BOD will make water toxic.
Normal water contains less than or equal to 10 mg. / ltr of dissolved oxygen. Before analysis
effluents may be diluted to the required extent. The oxygen is determined by Winkler titration or
Electro metrically by membrane electrode instruments.
Winkler titration
Oxygen in the sample is absorbed on freshly precipitated manganese hydroxide formed
by adding manganese sulphate and potassium hydroxide to the sample. Acidification in presence
of excess of iodide, iodine is liberated in a quantity equivalent to the dissolved oxygen present in
the sample. The liberated Iodine is then titrated with standard thiosulphate solution.
Dissolved oxygen in ppm. (mg. / ltr) = N(V) (8) (1000)
V
V
N
V

=
=
=

Volume of sodium thio sulphate required.

Normality
Volume of sample taken.

The oxygen concentration of an effluent or a dilution of it is determined before and after

incubation in the dark at 200 C for 5 days. The oxygen decrease can then be calculated and the
results presented as mg. of oxygen consumed per dm3 of the sample. Mineral nutrients and a
bacterial inoculum may be added to the initial sample to ensure optimal growth conditions. This

test is only an estimate of biodegradable material, hence recalcitrant or inhibitory compounds

might be overlooked.
Because the BOD test takes 5 days it may be necessary to resort to the chemical oxygen
demand (COD) a chemical test which only takes a few hours to complete. The test is based on
treating the sample with a known amount of boiling acidic potassium dichromate solution for
2 to 4 hours and then titrating the excess dichromate ferrous sulphate or ferrous ammonium
sulphate. The oxidized organic matter is taken as being proportional to the potassium dichromate
utilized. Most compounds are oxidized virtually to completion in this test, including those which
are not bio degradable. COD values are therefore higher than BOD values. In circumstances
where substances are toxic to micro-organisms, the COD test may be the only suitable method
available for assessing the degree of treatment required. During the determination of COD it may
be advantageous to use a catalyst like silver sulphate to facilitate the oxidation of resistant
materials. The interference of chloride can be eliminated by adding metallic compounds to the
mixture.
The BOD: COD ratios for sewage are normally between 0.2:1 and 0.5:1. When industrial
effluents of variable composition and loading are discharged, the ratio may fluctuate
considerably.
Determination of Ammoniacal Nitrogen
The effluent sample is buffered to a pH of 9.5 to prevent the hydrolysis of the organic
nitrogen compound to measure complete recovery of the ammonia. Ammonia is then distilled
from the buffered solution and an aliquot of distillate is reacted with a reagent consisting of
mercury iodide in a potassium iodide solution. The reaction is intensely red colored mercuric
amido iodide. Hg (NHs)I whose color intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of
ammonia in the sample. The experiments should be done using a fresh sample. After collection
of the sample it should be stored at 40 C following acidification which minimizes the loss of
ammonia.
Determination of Cyanides in the effluent
Hydrocyanic acid and its salts, and cyanides are few industrial chemicals used for the
process. Cyanide is spectrophotometerically determined based on the chlorination of cyanide and
subsequent reaction of the product with a mixed solution of pyridine pyraxotene to form a stable
dye complex of intense color. The complex cyanides are decomposed and colormetrically
determined. The interference if any is eliminated by either acid distillation or acid reflex. The
usual interferences are sulphides, heavy metals, fatty acids, organic compounds, urea, glycerin,
colors and turbid matters.
EFFLUENT TREATMENT TECHNIQUE
The effluent treatment is carried out in three stages
1. Primary treatment

2. Secondary treatment
3. Tertiary treatment.
Primary treatment is employed to remove solid particles, color, and odor and to adjust the pH
to the neutral range. This step includes screening, equalization neutralization, coagulation,
sedimentation etc. Specific toxic substances like cyanide etc are given special treatment.
Secondary treatment is biological process applied to reduce BOD and COD. It includes
trickling filtration, activated sludge process, oxidation ditch and oxidation pond. Other methods
are dispersed growth aeration, biodisc system and spray irrigation.
Tertiary treatment is done for further purification of water i.e., for final polishing, reduction of
dissolved solid contents, disinfection of effluents etc.
PRIMARY TREATMENT
Screening
In this process large suspended particles, like fibres, glass pieces, wooden pieces and hard
material are removed. Coarse screen of metal bars or heavy wires spaced 25-50 mm apart may be
used for screening. Finer materials are separated by screening through 0.8-6 mm meshes.
Sedimentation
In this process, the substances are settled by gravity. This method is the cheapest. The
supernatant liquid can be removed for further purification.
Equalization
The effluent can be collected in a holding tank at different intervals. The pH of the total
effluent is adjusted. Solids are allowed to settle. The mixing of the effluent may be done with the
help of a baffling arrangement and by mechanical agitation or aeration. The collection tanks are
rectangular. Neutrelization may be done using acid/alkali.
`
All the acid wastes are collected in a single tank and passed through bed of lime stone
either from the top or through the bottom. It forms calcium sulphate, calcium chloride or calcium
nitrate. The effluent is further diluted with water. Periodically the lime stone can be replaced.
Lime slurry treatment has high neutralizing power. Calcium sulphate interference is completely
eliminated by this method. Caustic soda treatment of acidic effluent is highly effective and the
products formed due to neutrelization are water soluble. It is quite expensive. This method of
caustic soda treatment can be done for small volume of wastes.

Alkaline effluent treatment

Treatment with Sulphuric Acid
35% sulphuric acid is used for this purpose. As it is highly corrosive and expensive it
should be done carefully.
Carbon-di-oxide Treatment
This is also useful for neutralizing alkaline waste.
Coagulation
The colloidal particles are destabilized by addition of chemicals and aggregated to a floc.
The size of the particles is in the range of 1 100 microns. The colloidal particles do not settle
easily due to the repulsive forces on them, hence they have to be coagulated to neutralize the
charges. Below pH 7 hydroxides are insoluble. For coagulation using alum, pH is adjusted to 5.5
to 6.8. For iron coagulation pH range is 3.5 5.5. For coagulating highly alkaline wastes, ferrous
salts are used. Activated silica and polyelectrolytes can also be used to enhance the precipitation
of the colloids.
SECONDARY TREATMENT
By this process dissolved oxygen and organic matters are removed and BOD is reduced.
Organic matters are nutrients for bacteria, algae and fungi. In this process, the pH and
temperature should be closely monitored.
Aerated Lagoons
Lagoons, holding ponds, oxidation ponds etc., may be used by number of industries if
land is available at a reasonable cost. The lagoon normally consists of a volume of shallow water
enclosed by water tight embankments. When used as the sole method of treatment, the maximum
depth should be 1 to 2 metres for biological oxidation because of the limiting dissolved oxygen
concentration via surface aeration; otherwise there may be odor from anaerobic decomposition in
the bottom muds. In emergencies sodium nitrate may be added to provide additional oxygen by
nitrate respiration. These holding tanks/ponds are lined with cement or butyl rubber or
polyethylene to make them water tight. After primary treatment, the supernatent clear liquid is
passed to the lagoons and mechanically aerated. After about 3 6 days the flocculated sludge is
formed and oxidation of organic matter starts. It removes about 80% of BOD.

Trickling Filteration
A simple trickling filter usually consists of a cylindrical concrete tank 2 to 3 m in depth
and 8 to 16m in diameter, or it may be in a rectangular shape. The tank is packed with a porous
bed of slag, clinker or stone, the bed being under laid with drains. The effluent is fed
intermittently on to the upper surface of the bed by spray nozzles/rotary sprinklers. The effluent
gradually trickles through the bed and a slime layer of biologically active material (bacteria,
fungi, algae, worms, flies etc.) forms on the surface of the support material. The large surface
area created in the bed permits close contact between the air flowing upwards through the bed,
the descending effluent and the biologically active growth. The bacteria in the biological film
remove the majority of the organic loading. Complex organic materials are broken down and
utilized. Nitrogenous matter and ammonia are slowly oxidized to nitrates and sulphides and other
compounds are similarly oxidized. The higher organisms, particularly the worms and larvae,
control the accumulation of the biological film to improve the settling characteristics of the
solids (humus) discharged with the filter effluent. The active slime takes time to develop and can
be poisoned by the addition of toxic chemicals.
The outer jacket of the trickling filter is provided with slots at the bottom for the air
intake. For removing the entrained activated sludge, a secondary settling basin is installed as in
the case of activated sludge process. For avoiding coagulation (blocking) of trickling filter, beds
of filters are made up of tubular or honeycombed plastic shapes. Ventilation ducts are necessary
in this system. These filters produce effluents of better consistent quality, they remove the sludge
quickly and is also economical. The temperature of the effluent, the size of stone or media,
microbial surface area, organic concentration, filter depth, oxygen transfer and retention time
affect the treatment. 75% of BOD is reduced by this method.
Activated Sludge Process
The basic sludge process consists of aerating and agitating the effluent in the presence of
a flocculated suspension of micro-organisms on particulate organic matter. The raw effluent
enters a primary sedimentation tank where coarse solids are removed. The partially clarified
effluent passes to a second vessel, which can be of a variety of designs, into which air or oxygen
is injected by bubble diffusers, paddles, stirrers etc. Vigorous agitation is used to ensure that the
effluent is in contact with the activated sludge. After a predetermined residence time of several
hours, the effluent passes to a sedimentation tank to remove the flocculated solids. Part of the
sludge from the settlement tank is recycled to the aeration tank to maintain the biological
activity. A clear water overflow is obtained from the settlement tank which then can be used in
the factory or discharged to a river without further treatment. The excess sludge is dewatered or
dried, to be sold as a fertilizer, burnt or dumped. Old sludge should be periodically replaced with
new sludge material. Oxygen supply of 0.5 mg/ltr is given along with other nutrients. Nitrogen
(10%), Phosphorous (2%), Urea, mono or di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate are also supplied.
Deficiency of any nutrient result in the growth of filamentous bacteria which prevent settling to
cause tubidity. Other elements required include K, Ca, Mg and traces of Fe, Cobalt etc. The pH
of the effluent should be 6.5 to 9.0. Below pH 6.5 fungi grow and above 9.0 metabolism rate
decreases. Low temperature results in decrease in metabolism and high temperature causes
anaerobic condition, due to increase in oxygen utility and metabolism rates.

MODIFIED SECONDARY TREATMENT

Tapered Aeration
In a concentrated system, oxygen is supplied at a uniform rate throughout the aeration
tank. The oxygen demand decreases along the length of the tank as the waste is stabilized.
Economy can therefore be achieved by reducing the oxygen supply.
Dispersed Aeration
Instead of decreasing oxygen supply, effluent may be passed at several points of the
aeration tank. This process is also called stepped aeration.
Contact Stabilization
In this process biosorption is carried out in two stages.
1. The waste is aerated for a short time (0.5 to 1 hour) only in the aeration tank (for
absorption).
2. The solids are settled out in second sedimentation tank where it is retained for 2 hours.
3. The effluent is then discharged from the sedimentation tank as treated waste.
4. One part of the sludge is also discharged, while the other portion is passed out into a
stabilization tank where it is aerated for 2 -4 hours for stabilization.
5. Oxidation and reactivation of the sludge helps the sludge to be mixed with further wastes
(i.e., effluents) for treatment.
These modified systems are useful for suspended and colloidal wastes.
Advantages
1. Requires less construction cost.
2. Less reaction volume and time.
3. Give high rate of aerobic treatment.
Performance Assessment of the Microbes
The sludge performance could be assessed by the microbial examination of the sludge.
1. High density of population is suitable for activated sludge process.
2. Presence of filamentous bacteria indicates deficiency of Nitrogen and Phosphorus, low pH
and low oxygen level.

Oxidation Ditch
This process is a modification of the conventional activated sludge process. The oxidation
ditch is a long continuous channel lined with butyl rubber, plastic or tar. Oval in shape having 12 meters depth. The effluent after primary treatment is allowed to pass through the channels with
retention time of 12 24 hours. About 75% of the sludge is recycled and overall sludge product
is reduced. The sludge is formed in small quantities and this can be de-aerated and dried on sand
drying beds. Oxygen supply is done by cage roofs kept across the channel. The solid velocity in
the suspension is 0.3 0.4 m/sec. Concentration range is 3000 5000 mg/ltr. If it exceeds this
range, the return sludge flow is diverted to the sludge drying bed for a short period.
Oxidation Ponds
Oxidation ponds should be shallow. In the larger shallow ponds water is added at one end
and effluent is removed from the other end. The carbon-di-oxide released is used by the algae for
photosynthesis, and the Oxygen which is released is used for oxidation of the organic material.
Maximum natural aeration is required. The purification is carried out by aerobic, facultative and
unaerobic processes. Solids in the waste settle at the bottom and thin solid layer acts as anaerobic
phase and anaerobic bacteria converts organic matter to methane, carbon-di-oxide and ammonia.
In the top liquid layer aerobic oxidation takes place and the products are carbon-di-oxide and
water. The facultative organisms are near the anaerobic phase. More the amount of algae more
amount of oxygen is released and the rate of purification is also increased. During night time
extra amount of oxygen has to be arranged by mechanical means. If the pond is devoid of
oxygen, anaerobic condition is built up leading to purification of the effluent and release of foul
odors. In the oxidation ponds organism like bacteria, algae having high nutrition capacity,
filamentous algae like spirogyra can be used.
The depth of the pond should be 1 2 metres. The pond bottom and side should be made
up of polythelene. The side corrosion of the tank can be prevented by concrete slabs. For the
anaerobic process ponds should be deeper. The inflow and outflow arrangements are necessary.
The operation is simple and economic having less maintenance cost. The high pH of the pond
aids precipitation of many metals as hydroxides which settle as sludge. A large plant area is
required for this process. The final discharge should be separately disinfected to avoid pollution
due to micro organisms.
Anaerobic Digestion
The reasons for using anaerobic processes for waste treatment are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Higher loading rates of digestors or filters can be achieved.

Lower power requirements may be needed per unit of BOD treated.
Useful end products such as digested sludge and/or combustible gases may be produced.
Organic matter is metabolized to a stable form.
There is an alteration of water binding characteristics to permit rapid sludge dewatering.
In this process the reduced amount of microbial bio-mass leads to easier handling of sludge.

7. Low levels of microbial growth will decrease the possible need for supplementary nutrients
with nutritionally unbalanced wastes.
Anaerobic Digestion
Large volumes of wet sludge are produced in physics, chemistry and biology treatment
processes which may have to be reduced in volume before disposed. This volume of the sludge
can be reduced by sludge digestion in an anaerobic digester, which leads to the conversion of a
large proportion of the organic matter in methane and carbon dioxide by anaerobic and
facultatively anaerobic bacteria. The digester tanks used for this process may be up to 12,000 m3
volume and equipped with heating coils for accurate temperature control (30 370) to increase
the rate of digestion, which can also be improved by mechanical agitation. The residual solids,
after 10 to 30 days digestion, can be disposed of by dewatering, drying, incinerating, dumping
etc.
TERTIARY TREATMENT
This is the final process of effluent treatment for the removal of:
1. Dissolved inorganic solids
2. Bacteria
3. Final traces of organic compounds.
Bacterial removal is achieved by keeping the effluent from secondary biological treatment in
maturation ponds for specified periods. If the final effluent still contains bacteria, effluent is
further chlorinated in high doses for one or two hours.
For removal of the dissolved inorganic materials treatments mentioned below are carried out.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Evaporation
Reverse Osmosis
Dialysis
Ion exchange
Chemical Precipitation
Removal of algae
Dilution of effluents sufficiently to reduce the amount of inorganic materials (provided
sufficient quantity of water is available.)

Evaporation
It is a simple process of vaporizing the water phase and concentrating the effluent.
Radioactive waste and other hazardous materials are concentrated to a smaller volume by this
process. Chrome, Nickel, Copper etc., can be reused after concentration. It is costly process. In
tropical places the solar evaporation reduces the cost of this process.
Reverse Osmosis

It can be used to remove dissolved solids in the effluent. The liquid effluent is passed
over a surface of a semi-permeable membrane at a high proportion. Water passes through the
membrane leaving a concentrated liquid with dissolved solids on the surface. Cellulose acetate
and polyamide hydroxide are most effective membranes. The process design may be flat or
tubular. This operation is costly and tedious but it is quite effective.
Dialysis
This is a method of separation of solids from the effluents on the basis of difference in the
diffusion. The sulphuric acids can be recovered from this process. The effluent is passed
upwards, counter current to a dow stream of water supply, both the phases are separated by a
semi-permeable membrane. The material permeates the membrane at a faster rate than impurities
and combined with the water yielding a dilute solution, while dissolved solid content in effluent
is reduced. The permentation can be further enhanced by applying electrical energy. Commonly
used membranes are cellulose nitrate or cellulose membranes. This process is simple and is
applicable to a small volume.
Ion Exchange Method
This is useful for softening of water. It is simple and economical.
Chemical Precipitation
By this method the dissolved solids can be precipitated and can be easily removed. Most
of the heavy metals are precipitated as hydroxides at elevated pH. Lime is the cheapest and an
effective precipating agent.
Removal of Algae
By this process the dissolved solids can be removed. Algae require carbon, nitrogen,
phosphorous sulphur, platinum, calcium and magnesium for their growth. They also need Fe,
manganese, zinc, boron, cobalt, copper, molybdenum and silicon in traces. Uptake of these
elements by the algae reduces the dissolved solids of the effluent. The algae must be removed
prior to final disposal into a public sewage system.
Activated Carbon Treatment
This is used to remove final traces of organic substances which cannot be removed by
other methods. Materials like DDT and other toxic materials can be absorbed by activated
carbon.

Limit for Discharge into Systems

Sl. No.

Surface
Water

Public

Irrigation

Marine
Coastal Area

1.

PH

5.5 9

5.5 9

5.5 9

5.5 9

2.

Suspended
solids mg/ltr

100

600

200

100

3.

BOD

30

350

100

100

4.

COD

250

250

5.

Oils and
grease

10

20

10

20

6.

Ammonia
(Nitrogen)

50

50

50

7.

Cyanide

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

EFFLUENT TREATMENT IN SYNTHETIC DRUG UNITS

Synthetic drug units use large volumes of organic and inorganic chemicals. The
composition of the wastes varies from plant to plant. Most of the wastes are toxic to biological
lives and these are characterized by BOD, COD and COD: BOD ratio. Effluents from these
factories are either highly alkaline or acidic. They have negligible fraction of solids in their total
effluent content. Effluent from the manufacturer of sedatives contains toxic elements like KCN.
Highly alkaline effluents are produced from the manufacturer of sulpha drugs and vitamin B,
mononitrate. Many intermediate products give rise to highly acidic waste consisting of both
organic and inorganic compounds and acids. Effluents containing cyanides and heavy metals are
harmful to aquatic life. Acidic effluents corrode the pipeline of the sewage system. High BOD of
the effluents depletes the dissolved oxygen and makes the water unsuitable for use. The effluent
of synthetic drug plants should be carefully treated. Toxic effluents should be segregated and
treated separately. The acidic waste can be neutrelized by lime. The odor producing compounds
resistant to chlorination can be destroyed by heating in a furnace.