Pharmaceutical Manufacturer - Reduction of Methylene Chloride in Waste Stream - Kansas

Biological Treatment Summary

The Situation

A Pharmaceutical manufacturer generates a highly contaminated waste stream in one of its operations. This waste stream must be isolated and disposed as hazardous wastes due to high levels of methylene chloride. They were looking for a way to eliminate the methylene chloride so the wastewater could be discharged. Although not a target contaminant, the wastewater was also contaminated with ethanol at levels ranging from 700mg/L to 2,000mg/L.

Objective

Reduce methylene chloride concentration in the wastewater to less than 0.2mg/L so it can be discharged.

The manufacturer began treating their wastewater with OBT® Oil Degradation Treatment in a trial monitored by State environmental officials using a batch of wastewater that contained 637mg/L ethanol and 1mg/L methylene chloride.

The Results

After a week of treatment, the water was analyzed. Ethanol was not detected and methylene chloride dropped 92% to 0.077mg/L, well below the 0.2mg/L target. When reporting these results, the company’s representative said “I am very pleased with the results. OBT® Oil Degradation Treatment and your excellent technical support saved us from major regulatory compliance issues. Thank you!”

The company continues to use this process to treat and discharge their wastewater.