Hospital effluents management: Chemical, physical, microbiological risks and legislation in different countries
E Carraro1, Si Bonetta1, C Bertino1
1Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
Journal of Environmental Management
|December 29, 2015
Summary
Hospital wastewater (HWW) poses risks due to hazardous substances like pharmaceuticals and pathogens, often not neutralized by standard treatment plants (WWTPs). A robust monitoring system is crucial for these effluents to protect public and environmental health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Hospital wastewater (HWW) contains diverse hazardous substances including pharmaceutical residues, chemical contaminants, pathogens, and radioisotopes.
- These contaminants pose significant chemical, biological, and physical risks to public and environmental health.
- Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) often fail to neutralize the hazardous effects of these substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the risks associated with hospital wastewater (HWW) contaminants.
- To underscore the inadequacy of current wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in neutralizing these hazardous substances.
- To advocate for the necessity of a comprehensive monitoring system for HWW effluents and associated substances/pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on hospital wastewater composition and effects.
- Analysis of the limitations of current wastewater treatment technologies (WWTPs).
- Examination of regulatory frameworks concerning hazardous substances in HWW.
Main Results:
- Hospital wastewater (HWW) contains a wide range of hazardous substances whose concentrations vary based on hospital characteristics and location.
- Substances like antibiotic residues, drugs, and specific pathogens lack regulatory status and effective treatment.
- Existing legislation in industrial countries does not adequately address these emerging HWW contaminants.
Conclusions:
- Hospital wastewater (HWW) presents a significant environmental and public health challenge due to inadequately treated hazardous substances.
- There is a critical need for enhanced monitoring of HWW effluents, focusing on substances and pathogens currently lacking regulatory oversight.
- Implementing a robust monitoring system is essential to mitigate the risks posed by HWW to public health and the environment.
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