Lidocaine Removal From Wastewater

Lidocaine, a widely used local anaesthetic, has become a concerning pollutant due to its presence in water sources.

The need to remove lidocaine from water arises from its potential environmental impact. Below, we delve into the applications of lidocaine, its occurrence in wastewater, and the potential detrimental impacts it can pose to the environment. We also explore the efficacy of various wastewater treatments as a solution, including the innovative Nyex Rosalox™ system developed by us.

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Lidocaine removal from water

Lidocaine removal from water is straightforward and inexpensive with our Nyex Rosalox system. The pollutant is first absorbed onto our Nyex media and then reduced into water and gas (vented away) using a small electric current which passes through the Nyex media and the pollutant. The means the energy consumption is optimised and the cost of operations lowered.

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Our Nyex water treatment technology successfully removed over 99% of Lidocaine from 0.0036 µg/L to below trace levels.

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What is Lidocaine Used For?

Lidocaine finds extensive application in the medical field, both for humans and animals.

It is commonly used as a local anaesthetic to numb specific areas of the body during medical procedures such as dental work, surgery and dermatological treatments.

In addition to its anaesthetic properties, lidocaine also serves as an antiarrhythmic medication, regulating abnormal heart rhythms.

Lidocaine in Wastewater

The presence of lidocaine in wastewater poses potential short and long-term damage to marine environments, rivers, and watercourses.

When released into water bodies, lidocaine can persist for extended periods, leading to bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms.

The ecological imbalance caused by the accumulation of lidocaine disrupts aquatic ecosystems and may impact the health of marine life. Furthermore, studies have shown that lidocaine can affect the growth and reproductive systems of aquatic organisms, threatening their survival.

Lidocaine in the environment

Lidocaine can remain active in water for considerable periods, even after dilution.

Research indicates that lidocaine can persist in marine environments for weeks, making it imperative to develop effective water treatment methods. Failure to remove lidocaine from water bodies can have severe consequences, including ecological disruptions and compromised water quality.

Does GAC remove lidocaine from water?

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration is a common method used to remove organic compounds from water. While GAC can effectively adsorb lidocaine, it has certain limitations. The process requires frequent replacement or reactivation of carbon filters due to saturation, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Additionally, GAC filtration alone may not provide complete removal of lidocaine and may require complementary treatment methods.

Does ozone remove lidocaine from water?

An ozone-based oxidation system is another approach used for lidocaine removal. Ozone reacts with lidocaine molecules, breaking them down into simpler compounds through oxidation.

However, ozone-based systems require careful handling of ozone, as it is a hazardous gas. Operators must implement proper safety protocols and invest in appropriate equipment, increasing operational complexity and costs.

Lidocaine wastewater treatment

Adsorption, a process involving the attachment of contaminants to a solid surface, holds promise as an effective method for lidocaine removal. Arvia Technology has developed an innovative solution – the Nyex Rosalox™ system. This combines adsorption and electrochemistry to deliver superior results at a lower cost.

Arvia’s Rosalox™ system utilises Nyex™, a unique adsorbent media capable of selectively removing lidocaine from water. This advanced technology ensures efficient removal of lidocaine molecules, minimising their impact on the environment.

By also using electrochemistry, the system breaks down pollutants into gas and water. It also regenerates the Nyex™, making it last longer, reducing operational costs.

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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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How to remove lidocaine from water

In conclusion, the presence of lidocaine in water sources poses a significant threat to the environment and aquatic ecosystems. It is crucial to implement effective lidocaine removal strategies to safeguard our water resources and protect marine life.

Industries, regulators, and individuals need to prioritize the use of advanced water treatment technologies. This is necessary to decrease the negative impact of lidocaine and other pollutants on the environment.

While various methods exist for lidocaine removal, the Nyex Rosalox™ system developed by Arvia Technology stands out as a pragmatic and innovative solution. By combining adsorption and electrochemistry, this system offers superior removal efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal choice for all water treatment facilities.

For details of how a Rosalox™ system could help your organisation’s water, contact us today.

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Lidocaine is a nerve-blocking medication used to numb bodily tissue. It clearly needs to be removed from manufacturing effluent streams and luckily our Nyex water treatment is very effective in lidocaine removal from water. We have achieved a 99% removal rate of lidocaine from 0.0036 µg/L to below the limit of detection.