Hospital Wastewater 1

[DrLewinstein]

We are looking at designing a 45,000 WWTP for a hospital in Latin America. I am concerned about the potential effects of quaternary ammonium sanitizers, antibiotics, and other hospital wastes that could give real problems in the treatment process. Are there any ways to design in protection from these kinds of things?

 

[bimr]

Most of these products are sold in concentrated solutions and there is a significant loss of strength as the solution is diluted. I would not expect that you will find that these materials are not a big problem. Most hospitals in the world discharge into municipal treatment systems and there does not seem to be an issue. You may consider calling a few hospitals and see if there is a problem.

If you are concerned with the issue, I would suggest that you consider the use of an equalization tank prior to the treatment plant. If you allowed 12 hours of detention, it may be helpful.

Another approach to increase the treatment efficiency may be to have a multiple stage activated sludge treatment process, instead of a single stage activated sludge treatment system. You should be to achieve a minimum of 80+% treatment in each stage.