Abstract:

       We designed a combination process of “hydrolytic acidification+EGSB+A/O” with Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) as the principle part to treat pharmaceutical wastewater containing complex composition of organic pollutant and high salinity. The approach was applied to practical industrial operation. EGSB processing unit regulated the volume of inflow and circulating water based on volatile acids, alkalinity and granular sludge in the reactor. COD removal rate could reach 60%~80% and sulfate removal efficiency was obvious. However, ammonia was not removed in anaerobic process. COD removal rate became stable after 16 days A/O processing operation, and NH4+ removal rate was 70%, still to be further enhanced. After a period of time, COD removal rate was 90% and ammonia removal rate was 70%. Results show that the process is stable and effective for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater.

Key words: pharmaceutical wastewater, combined processes, EGSB, A/O