ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on biological treatment methods, particularly in the context of removal of pharmaceuticals from the wastewater and the application of membrane bioreactor (MBR) for removal of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) from wastewater. Conventional activated sludge (CAS) system was shown to remove surfactants and personal care products more effectively than other methods such as trickling filters, biofilm reactors, nitrification and denitrification processes. The MBR and integrated approaches were found to be efficient in removing pharmaceuticals from wastewater. MBR in combination with other methods were used for removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater. External loop air lift membrane bioreactor and CAS were found to be efficient in removing acetaminophen from pharmaceutical wastewater. Wastewater is considered as a large reservoir for ARB and ARGs. The sewerage from industries, hospitals, human society, farming and agriculture contains high levels of antibiotics, as often these waters are discharged into the natural environment either with partial or without proper treatment.