Environmental Managment of Pharmaceutical Wastes: Experience from Egypt

Wastewater management in two companies representing the pharmaceutical industry was investigated and implemented. The results showed that the integration of the pollution prevention approach followed by an equalization tank reduced the organic load up to 70%, while further chemical treatment using either alum or ferric chloride aided with lime produced a quality of effluent suitable for restricted irrigation or safe disposal. In the second case study, the implementation of waste minimization approach followed by the construction and implementation of an equalization tank eliminated the needs for the construction of a full-scale treatment plant. All the proposed solutions were documented with cost benefit analysis and engineering designs for implementation.