Successful Treatment of Diclofenac

Arvia’s treatment process has proven capable of removing various problematic compounds, including those specified in EU and UK regulations – some of the strictest in the world.

What’s the issue with Diclofenac?

Improvements in analytical techniques coupled with tightening legislation means that there is an increasing need for innovative methods to treat water and wastewater. Traditional treatment processes are failing to remove trace level organic contaminants to meet discharge consents; particularly very stable micropollutants such as Diclofenac.

Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug widely used for pain relief. It is currently one of the main micropollutants of concern in Europe due to its persistent nature and regular prescription. This medication can be removed from water using Granular Activated Carbon or Ozone, however, at low and trace levels these processes can become cost prohibitive and even ineffective.

Arvia’s Solution

Arvia’s treatment process has proven capable of removing various problematic compounds, including those specified in EU and UK regulations – some of the strictest in the world. The system combines the benefits of both the processes of adsorption and oxidation whilst avoiding the disadvantages when each are used in singular. This combination allows treatment to be targeted to the contaminant, rather than the entire body of water, rendering the process much more cost effective than other oxidation processes.

In various trials of Diclofenac treatment, Arvia has demonstrated removal to well below the existing regulated limit from the outset of treatment.

The average energy required for treatment is ca. 0.1 kWh/m³.

As analytical methods continue to improve and awareness for the effects of such micropollutants develop, upgraded treatment of pharmaceutical micropollutants like Diclofenac will become obligatory – amongst other contaminants such as hormones and industrial chemicals.

For further information on the removal of micropollutants and emerging contaminants, have a read of August’s edition of GWI magazine, available here. Arvia appear in the Chief Technology Officer section of the publication.