Characterization of waste streams from biotechnology processes. Treatment proposal.

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Abstract

In the biotechnological production of pharmaceuticals, a large volume of wastewater is generated, with a variety of organic loads and high concentrations of dissolved and suspended solids. The main objective of this study was to perform the physical and chemical characterization of a biotechnological wastewater and analyze its characteristics to determine the possibility of degradation using membrane bioreactors. For the analytical control of these streams, standard analytical methods were selected that allowed the evaluation of the pollution indicator parameters established in national regulations for the discharge of liquid waste into the receiving body, without causing damage or deterioration to the environment. Two samplings were carried out according to the sample type: a spot sample of the main effluents from the processes for obtaining the active pharmaceutical ingredient and a second sample of a composite with different effluents from the production plant's production processes. The results obtained allowed the evaluation of the composition of the different streams analyzed, the relationship between Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and the balance of the parameters COD, Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus, it was considered that this residual can be treated according to the recommended proposal, since it complies with the regulated parameters and the nutrient levels (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) are adequate for the balance. However, the results of the first sampling showed that these residuals cannot be treated separately, so it is recommended to compensate the streams for treatment.