Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) In Pharmaceutical Industry

Byipharmacist

ETP is used to treat wastewater and industrial effluents before discharging them into the environment or reusing them. In the pharmaceutical industry, ETPs play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and maintaining sustainability.

Key Components

1. Preliminary Treatment:

  • Screening: Removes large solids and debris.
  • Oil & Grease Trap: Separates oil and grease from wastewater.

2. Primary Treatment:

  • Sedimentation: Removes suspended solids.
  • Chemical Treatment: Coagulation and flocculation for solid-liquid separation.

3. Secondary Treatment (Biological Treatment):

  • Activated Sludge Process (ASP): Uses microorganisms to degrade organic matter.
  • Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) or Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR): Advanced biological treatment methods.

4. Tertiary Treatment:

  • Filtration (Sand/Carbon Filter): Removes fine particles and organic compounds.
  • Reverse Osmosis (RO) or Ultra Filtration (UF): Removes dissolved contaminants.
  • UV/Chlorination: Final disinfection before discharge or reuse.

5. Sludge Management:

  • Sludge Thickening and Dewatering: Reduces moisture content in sludge.
  • Sludge Disposal: Safe disposal following environmental guidelines.

Regulatory Compliance

  1. ISO 14001: Environmental management system compliance.
  2. CPCB/SPCB Guidelines (India): Compliance with pollution control board standards.
  3. US FDA/EPA (For Export-Oriented Pharma Units): Adhering to international water discharge standards.

Benefits of an ETP in Pharma

  • Reduces environmental pollution.
  • Ensures regulatory compliance.
  • Supports water reuse and conservation.
  • Minimizes operational risks and penalties.


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Resource Person: Susmita

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