Treatment Design and Operational Efficacy of the “Pre-Acidification + Anaerobic + Two-Stage AO + Improved Fenton” Treatment for Biopharmaceutical Wastewater

In response to the high concentration of pollutants, low biodegradability, and large fluctuations in water quality in pharmaceutical wastewater, we have implemented a combination process consisting of “Pre-acidification + Anaerobic + Two-stage AO + Improved Fenton” for its treatment. A processing capacity of 1800m3/d wastewater treatment project has been developed, and comprehensive information on the process flow, main design parameters, and removal efficiency of major pollutants were provided. The practical operational results demonstrate that this combined approach exhibits exceptional treatment performance, robust shock resistance capability, and stable and reliable operation for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. When the average influent concentrations of CODCr, NH3-N, TN, and TP are 7210 mg/L, 121 mg/L, 162 mg/L, and 25 mg/L respectively, the average effluent concentrations reach 160 mg/L, 6.0 mg/L, 22 mg/L and 0.2 mg/L, respectively. All indicators consistently meet the Class B standards specified in “Wastewater Quality Standards for Discharge to municipal Sewers” (GB31962-2015) as well as requirements from the comprehensive sewage plant in the industrial park.