The effect of caffeine, metronidazole, and ibuprofen on continuous flow activated sludge process

BACKGROUND The aim of this work was to study the biological treatment a synthetic wastewater containing emerging contaminants. 95-day experiment conducted in an 81 L continuous flow conventional activated sludge apparatus consisting anoxic and aerobic reactors with internal recycling, clarifier recycling. Real from municipal plant Nur-Sultan city used. degradation efficiencies caffeine, metronidazole, ibuprofen were studied either separately or combination. RESULTS When treated at concentration 30 mg/L, caffeine up 100%, while metronidazole range 12–27%. Caffeine inhibited nitrification process, presence system suppressed activity denitrifying microorganisms. all three compounds (at 10 mg/L each) resulted 56% case metronidazole. As both denitrification processes affected, total nitrogen removal significantly reduced 53% 22%. CONCLUSION Complete ibuprofen, partial observed using process. pollutants affects general efficiency plants, other physical chemical pre-treatment should be utilized minimize harmful effect contaminants on processes. © 2021 Society Chemical Industry