Effect of Diclofenac Concentration on Activated Sludge Conditions in a Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant

Significant quantities of pharmaceutical substances enter biological wastewater treatment plants, where they interact with activated sludge microorganisms. An example a commonly used is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (DCF). The presence high concentrations DCF in can disrupt nutrient removal processes, which are highly sensitive to external environmental factors. This paper discusses effect (1.04 mg/dm3–12.5 mg/dm3; 0.25 mg/gTS–3.0 mg/gTS) on efficiency nitrifying, denitrifying and phosphate-accumulating organisms cycle. condition was assessed basis oxygen nitrogen uptake rates values ability biologically remove phosphorus compounds from wastewater. methane-forming bacteria produce biogas anaerobic digester also investigated. None biochemical reactions were inhibited at applied concentrations. A 33% reduction production observed dose 0.0391 mg/gTS. Slight deviations typical course transformation ammonium recorded concentration 3 mg/gTS sludge. However, range studied, no negative DCF, operation sludge, found.