Pharmaceutical Wastewater and Sludge Valorization: A Review on Innovative Strategies for Energy Recovery and Waste Treatment

W. J. Pech-Rodríguez (), P. C. Meléndez-González, J. M. Hernández-López, G. G. Suarez-Velázquez, César R. Sarabia-Castillo and C. A. Calles-Arriaga
Additional contact information
W. J. Pech-Rodríguez: Department of Mechatronics, Polytechnic University of Victoria, Ciudad Victoria 87138, Tamaulipas, Mexico
P. C. Meléndez-González: Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, (UANL) Ave. Universidad S/N, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico
J. M. Hernández-López: Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, (UANL) Ave. Universidad S/N, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico
G. G. Suarez-Velázquez: Departamento de Ingeniería en Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Altamira, Nuevo Libramiento Altamira Km. 3, Santa Amalia, Altamira 89602, Tamaulipas, Mexico
César R. Sarabia-Castillo: School of Education, Universidad Vizcaya De Las Américas-Campus Saltillo, Boulevard Venustiano Carranza 4925, Saltillo C.P. 25210, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico
C. A. Calles-Arriaga: Department of Mechatronics, Polytechnic University of Victoria, Ciudad Victoria 87138, Tamaulipas, Mexico

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-27

Abstract: Currently, a large amount of pharmaceutical waste (PW) and its derivatives are being produced and, in some cases, inadequate management or treatment practices are applied. In this regard, this research explores the adoption of several alternatives to deal with these problems, including biocarbon within the framework of the circular economy. Photocatalytic nanomaterials have been also extensively discussed as a feasible way to remove pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater. Although there are existing reports in this area, this document provides a detailed study of the synthesis process, experimental conditions, the integration of photocatalysts, and their impact on enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. Additionally, the low cost and ease of fabrication of lab-scale microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are thoroughly examined. This innovative technology not only facilitates the degradation of hazardous compounds in wastewater but also harnesses their energy to generate electricity simultaneously. The aforementioned approaches are covered and discussed in detail by documenting interesting recently published research and case studies worldwide. Furthermore, this research is of significant importance because it addresses the valorization of PW by generating valuable by-products, such as H 2 and O 2 , which can occur simultaneously during the photodegradation process, contributing to more sustainable industrial practices and clean energy technologies.

Keywords: pharmaceutical wastewater valorization; photocatalyst; electrical energy; fuel cell; water treatment; microbial fuel cell (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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