Advanox stands out in removal of pharmaceutical residues from wastewater Utrecht
by Van Remmen UV Technology18 February 20253 min read
In cooperation with Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (HDSR) and GMB, Van Remmen UV Technology tested the Advanox system for the removal of pharmaceutical residues from wastewater. The results were impressive: Advanox proved to be a more energy-efficient, sustainable choice than traditional techniques.
A major challenge for water authorities
Pharmaceutical residues in our surface water are a growing environmental issue. Although these substances occur in low concentrations, they can have significant (harmful) effects on water life and even public health. New European regulations must therefore ensure that these micropollutants are removed quickly and effectively from wastewater and effluent. And that gives water authorities and interesting challenge: what is the most efficient, affordable and future-proof technology to achieve this?
A major test for Advanox
At Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (HDSR), the Advanox system was tested at the Utrecht wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Advanox treats wastewater with a combination of UV-C light and hydrogen peroxide, breaking down pharmaceutical residues into harmless substances. The set-up was quite simple: we connected an Advanox Flow reactor in a compact 20-foot shipping container to the existing sand filter of the WWTP, making it a fourth treatment step in the treatment process. The results were then monitored at various times according to the STOWA methodology.
Impressive results
And the results? They were impressive. Both on removal rate and cost and energy efficiency:
- Minimal energy consumption
Thanks to an innovative reactor design, energy consumption was minimised by 35%: to approximately 0.10kWh/m³.
- Maximum removal rate
At an energy consumption of 0.1 kWh/m³ and a hydrogen peroxide dosage of 20 ppm, a removal rate of 86% of pharmaceutical residues was achieved. This percentage is well above the 80% required by the new EU directive.
- Optimal cost efficiency
The total treatment costs for treating WWTP effluent in Utrecht range between €0.10 and €0.12 per cubic metre of water, including all operational expenses.
Advanox proves to be a sustainable choice
This demonstration test at the Utrecht WWTP underlined that Advanox is a future-proof technology for large-scale removal of pharmaceutical residues, with significant advantages over existing techniques. For example, the carbon footprint is minimal when using green energy. This is in contrast to activated carbon techniques, for example, which consume more raw materials and have a bigger environmental impact. Advanox poses no risk of creating toxic by-products such as bromate, or NDMA (Nitrosodimethylamine), as when using ozone. Moreover, thanks to the optimisation of the reactor, energy consumption (previously an obstacle to large-scale implementation) is more than halved.
From new kid to first choice
The success of this project illustrates the rapid development of Advanox for the removal of complex micropollutants, such as pharmaceutical residues. By combining effective pharmaceutical residue removal with low energy consumption, it offers water authorities and businesses an easily applicable tool to meet future environmental requirements. Advanox is already proving its worth at the decentralised wastewater treatment plant in Oosterwold and will be tested at more and more sites by water authorities and companies from all kinds of sectors in the coming years. Step by step, Advanox is thus growing from a new kid to a solid first choice for future-proof removal technologies.
Pharmaceutical residues in our surface water are a growing environmental issue. Although these substances occur in low concentrations, they can have significant (harmful) effects on water life and even public health. New European regulations must therefore ensure that these micropollutants are removed quickly and effectively from wastewater and effluent. And that gives water authorities and interesting challenge: what is the most efficient, affordable and future-proof technology to achieve this?
A major test for Advanox
At Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (HDSR), the Advanox system was tested at the Utrecht wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Advanox treats wastewater with a combination of UV-C light and hydrogen peroxide, breaking down pharmaceutical residues into harmless substances. The set-up was quite simple: we connected an Advanox Flow reactor in a compact 20-foot shipping container to the existing sand filter of the WWTP, making it a fourth treatment step in the treatment process. The results were then monitored at various times according to the STOWA methodology.
Impressive results
And the results? They were impressive. Both on removal rate and cost and energy efficiency:
- Minimal energy consumption
Thanks to an innovative reactor design, energy consumption was minimised by 35%: to approximately 0.10kWh/m³.
- Maximum removal rate
At an energy consumption of 0.1 kWh/m³ and a hydrogen peroxide dosage of 20 ppm, a removal rate of 86% of pharmaceutical residues was achieved. This percentage is well above the 80% required by the new EU directive.
- Optimal cost efficiency
The total treatment costs for treating WWTP effluent in Utrecht range between €0.10 and €0.12 per cubic metre of water, including all operational expenses.
Advanox proves to be a sustainable choice
This demonstration test at the Utrecht WWTP underlined that Advanox is a future-proof technology for large-scale removal of pharmaceutical residues, with significant advantages over existing techniques. For example, the carbon footprint is minimal when using green energy. This is in contrast to activated carbon techniques, for example, which consume more raw materials and have a bigger environmental impact. Advanox poses no risk of creating toxic by-products such as bromate, or NDMA (Nitrosodimethylamine), as when using ozone. Moreover, thanks to the optimisation of the reactor, energy consumption (previously an obstacle to large-scale implementation) is more than halved.
From new kid to first choice
The success of this project illustrates the rapid development of Advanox for the removal of complex micropollutants, such as pharmaceutical residues. By combining effective pharmaceutical residue removal with low energy consumption, it offers water authorities and businesses an easily applicable tool to meet future environmental requirements. Advanox is already proving its worth at the decentralised wastewater treatment plant in Oosterwold and will be tested at more and more sites by water authorities and companies from all kinds of sectors in the coming years. Step by step, Advanox is thus growing from a new kid to a solid first choice for future-proof removal technologies.