Pollution Research Paper

Vol 39, Issue 3, 2020; Page No.(525-530 )

REMOVAL OF ORGANICS FROM HOSPITAL WASTEWATER BY MOVING BED BIOFILM REACTOR (MBBR) WITH POLYURETHANE FOAM MEDIA

ERI I.R., DARJATI AND SULISTYANINGSIH, T.

Abstract

Hospital wastewaters are generally treated using anaerobic-aerobic treatment with conventional activated sludge, which has proven inefficient to reduce the content of antibiotic and antiseptic drug compounds. MBBR application with polyurethane foam media is suitable for treating wastewater with high organic loading (high rate). MBBR-PU Foam can be used for pharmaceutical industry wastewater due to its high durability and ability to decompose chemicals. The general objective of this research is to make a prototype MBBR-PU Foam to eliminate organic substances, especially medicinal compounds (ibuprofen and trimethoprim) which are non biodegradable in hospital wastewater. The long-term goal is that the MBBR-PU Foam can be used in every hospital as a place-saving treatment unit, inexpensive because it saves electricity, is easy to maintain, does not cause odor, has no sludge, and is very efficient in reducing organic waste that is nonbiodegradable. This research was conducted in continuous system (prototype). The wastewater used was artificial wastewater with qualities such as the Central Sterile Supply Department CSSD wastewater and hospital laboratories. The MBBR prototype that will be used in this study is an MBBR system consisting of a series of 4 stage reactors, which are expected to provide clear information about the kinetics of removal of organic substances, especially medicinal compounds. The results showed that MBBR with PU-Foam media has significantly reduced the content of organic substances and drug compounds. In 4 hrs HRT the decrease in organic substances was above 67%, while the decrease in ibuprofen was 91% and thrimethropime by 57%.