Characteristics and treatability of hospital (medical) wastewaters

Abstract

The objective of this study was twofold. The first one was to determine the quantity and characteristics of wastewaters of hospitals in Sivas, Turkey and the second to define the parameters, which are important to design the treatment plants and to find out alternative treatment methodologies as well as other hospital plants with similar wastewater characteristics. To reach the above objectives, 24-hour composite samples have been taken periodically from wastewaters of four hospitals in Sivas. The physical and chemical parameters of composite samples have been measured. In addition the wastewater flow of two hospitals has been measured to determine quantity fluctuation during the 24-hour period and to compare estimated wastewater quantity with the actual quantity measured. The results have shown that the wastewater of these hospitals can be classified as medium-strength domestic wastewater. However, it has been observed that there are peak flows and pollution loads during the daylight. Therefore, it is clear that a chemical treatment unit is needed in the plant. The results have also shown that it is appropriate to use chemical and biological treatment for hospital wastewater. On the other hand, the results of hospitals with a limited number of beds and laboratories have shown that there is no need for chemical treatment.