Iomeprol Removal from Wastewater

Iomeprol is an iodinated contrast agent commonly used in medical imaging procedures. It has a high iodine content which allows for better visualisation of blood vessels, tissues, and organs, making abnormalities easier to detect.

Administered intravenously, Iomeprol is distributed rapidly in the extracellular fluid space and remains in a free, active form capable of enhancing contrast throughout the body.

Its introduction into wastewater primarily occurs through these paths:

1. Patient Excretion: After administration, a significant portion of Iomeprol is excreted unchanged in urine.
2. Hospital Waste: Wastewater from hospitals and clinics, where Iomeprol is used, contributes to its presence in municipal wastewater systems.
3. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Residual Iomeprol from production processes can also enter wastewater systems.
4. Improper disposal of expired product.

If Iomeprol builds up in wastewater, it can lead to several environmental and health issues:

• Aquatic Toxicity: Iomeprol can be toxic to aquatic organisms including fish, disrupting ecosystems and harming biodiversity.
• Bioaccumulation: As Iomeprol enters the food chain, it can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, potentially affecting those higher up – including humans.
• Water Quality Degradation: The presence of pharmaceuticals like Iomeprol can compromise the quality of drinking water sources, necessitating advanced treatment processes.

Iomeprol is classified as a non-ionic iodinated contrast medium. It is primarily used in radiological imaging to enhance the visibility of internal structures in X-ray and CT scans as well as intravenous urography.

Iomeprol was developed by Bracco Imaging, an Italian pharmaceutical company. The FDA approved it for use in the U.S. in 1999 and local approvals in Europe and the UK followed. Its approval was based on its efficacy and safety profile compared to other contrast agents.

Iomeprol is increasingly recognised as an emerging contaminant due to its persistence in the environment and potential ecological impacts.

Continuous discharge of Iomeprol into water bodies can lead to long-term ecological effects, including disruption of aquatic life and potential harm to human health through contaminated drinking water.

As awareness of pharmaceutical pollutants grows, regulatory bodies are beginning to address the need for effective removal technologies in wastewater treatment. Due to its persistent properties, Iomeprol needs to be treated carefully, and effective measures put into place to ensure it can be removed quickly from watercourses.

The removal of all pharmaceutical products including Iomeprol, from wastewater is crucial for protecting public health and the environment.

The presence of pharmaceuticals in wastewater can contribute to the development of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) posing a significant threat to global health.

Effective removal of pharmaceuticals is also essential to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and ensure safe drinking water for the future.

At Arvia Technology we stand at the forefront of wastewater treatment innovation, offering advanced solutions like the Nyex™ systems to address the challenges posed by pharmaceutical contaminants.

By prioritising the removal of pollutants like Iomeprol, we can protect our water resources and promote a healthier environment for future generations.