[Pharmwaste] Ozone shows promise in removing trace levels of pharmaceuticals, steroids, and PCPs

[Catherine Zimmer]

Hi  all,
Just a quick comment on "treatment" of pharmaceuticals.  While the ozone 
or other treatment may be effective at removing the parent compound, the 
breakdown products of ozonation should be considered. This study didn't 
appear to test for break down products.  For example, alkylphenol 
ethoxylates break down to nonyl phenol ethoxylate, which has been found 
to be more toxic to aquatic life than APEO.  Epinephrine--commonly used 
and disposed of from health care facilities, breaks down to adrenochrome 
which has been used to increase the toxicity of some chemotherapeutics.  
Incineration leads to dioxin and furan formation in addition to acid 
gases, carbon monoxide and other toxics. 

"Treatment",  ozonation, incineration, calls for wariness of the break 
down products --they may be worse.  The best solution is,  of course (no 
condescension intended) , source reduction.  There is no such place as 
"away".  

Catherine Zimmer
Health Care Specialist

Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
University of Minnesota
612/624-4635, 800/247-0015
http://www.mntap.umn.edu

Helping Minnesota businesses maximize resource efficiency, prevent pollution and reduce costs.



DeBiasi,Deborah wrote:
>
> <<Ozone WET_Drury_May07.pdf>>
>
> Deborah L. DeBiasi
> *Email:   dldebiasi at deq.virginia.gov*
> WEB site address:  _www.deq.virginia.gov_ <file://www.deq.virginia.gov>
> Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
> Office of Water Permit Programs
> Industrial Pretreatment/Toxics Management Program
> Mail:          P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA  23218*/ (NEW!)/*
> Location:  629 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA  23219
> PH:         804-698-4028
> FAX:      804-698-4032
>
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