A Review on Treatment Efficiency of Pharmaceutical Effluents Using Natural Coagulants

Abstract

Pharmaceutical effluents are wastes generated by pharmaceutical industries during the process of drug production.Pharmaceutical industry effluent is hazardous in nature due to its components such as toxic metals and active pharmaceutical ingredients and therefore should be treated before it is discharged into any water body or on to soil. But studies have shown that in most developing countries like Nigeria, industries dispose their effluents without treatment. The pharmaceutical effluents can be treated using inorganic or natural coagulants. This paper reviewed some studies on the treatment of pharmaceutical effluents using natural coagulants which are low-cost, under-utilized, economic friendly and readily available. The coagulants reviewed include Moringa oleifera, Citrullus lanatus (Seed of watermelon), Treculia africana (African bread fruit), Phoenix dactylifera (Date), Zea mays (Corn or maize), Banana peels, Sesamum indicum (Beniseed). The studies were critically reviewed with respect to the type of natural coagulant used, method of application to the effluents and result obtained. The results from the studies reviewed revealed that the treatment efficiency was maximally achieved in each case when the natural coagulants were used in combined form (either with another natural coagulant or inorganic coagulant) in appropriate ratios. Treatment efficieny of pharmaceutical effluents is obtained by using combined natural coagulant.