Feasibility using of advanced oxidation process (O3/H2O2) on diclofenac impact on the specific methanogenic activity of anaerobic biomass

Disposal of pharmaceutical compounds to environment as an emerging pollutants cause significantly concerns and it is necessary to use the new methods of sewage treatment for removal of these compounds. The aim of this study was to feasibility using of O3/H2O2 process on diclofenac impact on the specific methanogenic activity of anaerobic biomass. Twelve anaerobic digestions at batch mode carried out before and after using an O3/H2O2 process at the 500ml reactors with 30% anaerobic biomass and 70% substrate. The replacement liquid method was used. Duration of each test was range 8-16 days. Cumulative methane production in concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 175, 250 and 350 mg/l of diclofenac were 764.24, 845.42, 82, 102.09, 25.42 and 1.64 ml respectively. These productions were 8.61, 26.65, 4.1 and 4.1 ml in concentrations of 25, 100, 250 and 350 mg/l respectively after 180 min pretreatment with O3/H2O2 process and demonstrate that methane production was reduced in all concentrations after ozonation process. It is concluded that the high concentration of diclofenac has inhibition effects on the anaerobic digesters and after the ozonation process pretreatment on diclofenac, the intermediates compounds can be produced which probably had very diverse effects on the anaerobic bacteria in digesters and also had a lower biodegradability.