Mitigation of Emerging Contaminants in Hospital Wastewater: Ozone Microbubbles as an Innovative Treatment Approach

Abstract

This review article explores the challenges posed by emerging contaminants present in hospital wastewater and investigates the potential of ozone microbubbles as an innovative treatment approach. As healthcare facilities continue to be a significant source of diverse contaminants, ranging from pharmaceuticals and personal care products to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, addressing the impact of these pollutants on the environment and public health is of paramount importance. The use of ozone microbubbles, a cutting-edge technology in water treatment, offers a promising solution for the removal and degradation of various emerging contaminants. This article comprehensively examines the occurrence and effects of emerging contaminants in hospital wastewater, delves into the principles of ozone microbubbles technology, and reviews recent studies and advancements in utilizing ozone microbubbles for the treatment of hospital effluents. The potential synergistic effects of combining ozone microbubbles with other treatment processes will also be explored. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge, identify gaps in research, and propose future directions for the effective mitigation of emerging contaminants in hospital wastewater using ozone microbubbles.