Biodegradation of Pharmaceuticals Belonging to the Group of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs Using Activated Sludge

The chapter presents the results of field studies confirming the presence of selected compounds from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the aquatic environment and in selected points of the technological process of the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kozieglowy. The first stage examined the occurrence and distribution of concentrations of selected drugs (fenoprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, paracetamol and tolmetin) in the Warta river, in the area of the city Poznan. The second stage of the study allowed to estimate the types and concentrations of the above mentioned drugs on four sections of WWTP in Kozieglowy. The collection points included: the sewage pumping stations, denitrification chamber, nitrification chamber and drainage section of the sewage purified to the Warta river. Analysis of drug occurrence in the Warta river and their ability to decompose in WWTP in Kozieglowy, carried out under real conditions. Analysis of drug occurrence in the Warta river and their ability to decompose in WWTP in Kozieglowy, carried out under real conditions.