Co-composting of pharmaceutical wastes in soil.
OBJECTIVE
Soils at a commercial facility had become contaminated with the pharmaceutical chemical residues, Probenecid and Methaqualone, and required remediation.


RESULTS
Soil composting was investigated as an alternative to incineration for treatment. In laboratory trials, a factorial experimental design was used to evaluate organic matter amendment type and concentration, and incubation temperature. In pilot scale trials, Probenecid was reduced from 5100 mg kg(-1) to < 10 mg kg(-1) within 20 weeks in mesophilic treatments. An 8 tonne pilot scale treatment confirmed that thermophilic composting was effective under field conditions. In the full-scale treatment, 180 tonnes of soil were composted. Initial concentrations of the major contaminants in the full-scale compost treatment were 1160 mg kg(-1) and 210 mg kg(-1), for Probenecid and Methaqualone, respectively. Probenecid concentration reached the target level of 100 mg kg(-1) in 6 weeks, and removal of Methaqualone to < 100 mg kg(-1) was achieved after 14 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Co-composting was effective in reducing soil concentrations of Probenecid and Methaqualone residues to acceptable values.


CONCLUSIONS
Co-composting is a technology that has application in the remediation of pharmaceutical contaminants in soil.
Guerin
T F
TF
Shell Engineering Pty Ltd, NSW State Office, PO Box 26, Granville 2142 NSW, Australia. turlough.guerin@bigpond.com
D001315:Australia; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004345:Drug Industry; D007220:Industrial Waste; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*; D012995:Solubility; D014876:Water Pollution
D007220:Industrial Waste; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012989:Soil Pollutants