Optimization of the combined integrated fixed film activated sludge and photocatalytic process via iron oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposite in treating pharmaceutical wastewater

Pharmaceutical wastewater has a high level of pollution load that should be treated before discharging to the environment. Integrated processes using different mechanisms are one of the most fruitful methods in wastewater treatment. In this study, combined Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) and photocatalytic processes are utilized using of Fe3O4/TiO2 nanocatalysts to decrease the COD value of pharmaceutical wastewater.

In this study, the variables of each process are optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). In the IFAS process, the variables were dissolved oxygen (DO), media filling percentage and hydraulic retention time (HRT); while in the photocatalytic process, the effects of pH of wastewater, catalyst dose and reaction time were investigated.

In optimal conditions (DO 3 mg/L, HRT 24 h and media filling percentage 65%), COD removal rate was obtained 59.15%. With the initial concentration of 1725 mg/L COD and the mentioned efficiency, the concentration of COD in the effluent diminished to 704 mg/L. However, in the photocatalytic process, during optimal conditions (pH 6.8, reaction time 105 min and catalyst dose 60 mg/L), The efficiency of the process was determined 81%, which by considering the input COD (704 mg/L), the output concentration was reduced to 134 mg/L.

According to the standards provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the effluent from the combined process can be discharged into the environment.