Characterization of the Primary Sludge from Pharmaceutical Industry Effluents and Final Disposition

Abstract

The generation of large volumes of waste by industrial processes has become an object of study because of the necessity to characterize the composition of residues in order to suggest appropriate treatments and to minimize adverse environmental impacts. We performed analyses of total fixed and volatile solids, moisture, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). We found high organic matter content. We also measured physicochemical characteristics, including corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity. Sewage sludge showed levels of chloride and sodium above the maximum allowed limits. These data suggest the potential for anaerobic digestion as a treatment option for sewage sludge and for its use as a biofertilizer.

A Review of the Chemistry of Anaerobic Digestion: Methods of Accelerating and Optimizing Process Efficiency

“…Enhancement of bio-methane has once been achieved via microwave irradiation combined with iron oxide nanoparticles used for the pretreatment of green algae during AD [123]. Borges et al, 2019 [124] also concluded in their study that primary sludge from pharmaceutical industry effluents is an economically viable and sustainable technique for the production of biofuels through AD because of its content of micro-and macronutrients. Despite all of these studies, the technological advances so far made have not completely eliminated the most significant technical challenges hampering the smooth operation of AD systems hence this review helps identify areas of research as a way to contribute to the knowledge required to advance this attractive technology.…”