Clarithromycin Removal From Wastewater

In our modern world, the issue of pharmaceuticals in water sources has gained increasing attention. One such pharmaceutical compound is clarithromycin, an antibiotic commonly prescribed to combat various bacterial infections.

However, the improper disposal and excretion of clarithromycin can lead to its presence in wastewater, eventually finding its way into watercourses.

This article explores water purification techniques for removing clarithromycin from water and discusses the most effective methods currently available.

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Clarithromycin removal from water

Our Nyex technology is effective in the removal of Clarithromycin from water. We previously removed Clarithromycin from different of municipal wastewater, successfully reducing the level of concentration by 96%.

We successfully reduced the concentration of clarithromycin in various streams of municipal wastewater from 0.27 µg/L to 0.01 µg/L, resulting in a significant 96% reduction.

Nyex Rosalox

Clarithromycin Uses

Clarithromycin is a widely used antibiotic. It is given to treat respiratory tract, skin, and gastrointestinal infections in humans and animals.

It belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics. It is often prescribed when penicillin is not suitable or effective.

Its therapeutic benefits in medicine are undeniable. But the presence of clarithromycin in water can have unintended consequences on aquatic life and contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.

Clarithromycin in Water:

Clarithromycin degrades slowly in water. This poses a significant challenge for its removal.

Its effects include:

Therefore, effective removal methods for clarithromycin are crucial to safeguard our water resources.

1

Harm to Beneficial Bacteria. Clarithromycin may not only target harmful bacteria but also affect beneficial bacteria necessary for ecological balance. This disruption can have cascading effects on the overall health and functioning of aquatic ecosystems.

2

Development of Antibiotic Resistance. Clarithromycin water contamination can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can then spread through water bodies, potentially affecting marine organisms and even human health if consumed through seafood.

3

Altered Microbial Communities. The presence of clarithromycin can lead to changes in the composition and diversity of microbial communities in water. This alteration can affect nutrient cycling, organic matter degradation, and other essential ecological processes.

4

Ecotoxicity. Clarithromycin can exhibit ecotoxicity, posing a risk to aquatic organisms. It may directly affect the growth, reproduction, and behaviour of marine life, especially sensitive species such as fish, invertebrates, and algae.

5

Food Chain Disruption. Clarithromycin can disrupt the natural food chains and ecological relationships in aquatic ecosystems. This can have a negative effect on aquatic organisms. This disruption can have far-reaching consequences for the entire ecosystem’s structure and stability.

How to remove Clarithromycin from water?

One notable innovative technology to combat clarithromycin in wastewater is the Nyex Rosalox™ system developed by Arvia Technologies. The Rosalox™ system utilizes a unique combination of advanced adsorption and electrochemical oxidation. It removes many antibiotics in wastewater effluent.

This innovative approach offers several advantages over traditional methods. It provides high removal efficiency, low energy consumption, and the ability to self-regenerate its Nyex adsorbent media, reducing costs and waste. The Rosalox system shows impressive results and effectively addresses the challenge of antibiotic removal from wastewater down to trace levels.

Antibiotics in wastewater

The presence of antibiotics such as Clarithromycin is a growing concern due to their potential ecological impact and contribution to antibiotic resistance. As discussed, various ‘legacy’ treatment methods are available for clarithromycin water treatment.

The removal of clarithromycin from water sources is crucial to protect our ecosystems and prevent the potential development of antibiotic resistance. While methods like ozonation and GAC filtration have their place, they also have their limitations.

The Rosalox system from Arvia Technologies presents a more cost-effective solution. It is a unique combination of adsorption and advanced oxidation processes for eliminating clarithromycin and other pharmaceuticals. With its next-generation performance, it offers high efficiency and a sustainable operation.

We must prioritize developing and implementing effective technologies for antibiotic resistance in wastewater treatment to protect our valuable resources for the long-term. This is essential as we explore the environmental impact of clarithromycin and other similar pharmaceuticals.

For more information about the innovative range of water treatments from Arvia Technology, please contact us.

Irais Baizabal

Wastewater Treatment Consultant

Book a meeting at your convenience to talk to one of our specialists about your wastewater issues. Or send us an enquiry.

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Removal of Clarithromycin from Water

Several additional methods are currently employed to remove clarithromycin from water sources. One common approach is the use of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), such as ozonation.

Removal methods for Clarithromycin

Ozone treatment can deliver clarithromycin contamination removal, breaking it down into harmless byproducts. However, the use of a hazardous chemical like ozone has certain drawbacks, including high operational costs and the formation of potentially harmful byproducts.

Membrane filtration for removing clarithromycin such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are also currently in use. However, these processes are not ideal in some applications or locations.

Another widely used method for absorption of clarithromycin in water is adsorption mechanisms like granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration. GAC has a high surface area that can adsorb pharmaceutical compounds, including clarithromycin, from water. It offers a cost-effective and practical solution for water treatment.

However, GAC has limited capacity, and the adsorbed compounds may eventually desorb back into the water, necessitating regular replacement or regeneration of the carbon.It is also a very energy-intensive process which will adversely affect a company’s carbon footprint, as we detail here.

Does Ozone Remove Clarithromycin?

Ozone treatment is considered a reasonably effective method for clarithromycin removal from water. It works by breaking down the compound through oxidation.

Ozone is a hazardous chemical and requires special handling. It has a strong oxidizing potential, making it capable of degrading a wide range of organic contaminants, including pharmaceuticals.

However, ozonation may result in the formation of disinfection byproducts, which can have potential health implications.
Additionally, the high operational costs associated with ozone treatment can limit its widespread implementation.

Does GAC Remove Clarithromycin?

Activated carbon filtration for clarithromycin removal is a process that has been used for some time.

GAC (Granular activated carbon) has a porous structure that can adsorb pharmaceutical compounds, including clarithromycin, effectively.

In some cases, it is a workable solution for water treatment. The adsorbed contaminants are removed by periodically replacing or regenerating the carbon.

However, GAC has limited capacity, and the adsorption process will become less efficient over time. Regular maintenance and careful monitoring are necessary to ensure optimal performance.

GAC is not an environmentally responsible removal method either, as we detail in this article.

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Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Pollutants in water from over-prescription, inadequate removal from effluent and incorrect disposal methods are causing antibiotics to stop working. We removed clarithromycin from different streams of municipal wastewater, taking the level of clarithromycin down from 0.27 µg/L to 0.01 µg/L, which was 96% reduction.