Removal of residual pharmaceuticals in waste water by catalytic ozonation technology

Pharmaceuticals in waste water are not easily degraded by conventional water treatment technology. Advanced oxidation processes have been applied to eliminate traces of these compounds from aquatic environments. This study focuses on the degradation of various pharmaceuticals such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, carbamapezine sulfadiazine, metoprolol, naproxen, in aqueous solutions by catalytic and non-catalytic ozonation. In-house catalysts are designed, characterized and tested for the reaction. The potentially harmful byproducts are identified and attempted to be minimized. Matematical modeling is performed to understand the reaction mechanisms involved.