Occurrences and fate of an antibiotic amoxicillin in extended aeration-based sewage treatment plant in Delhi, India: a case study of emerging pollutant

Abstract

In recent years, pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) have been detected in various environmental matrices, including ground water, surface water, and municipal wastewater. In order to evaluate the impact of PPCPs on environment, their distribution must be accurately established in these matrices first, as very limited studies have been carried out especially in the Indian subcontinent. In this study, the occurrence and removal of an antibiotic, Amoxicillin, at a sewage treatment plant (STP) located in Delhi has been studied. Amoxicillin was selected for its widespread use as a prescribed over the counter drug.

Sampling exercises were carried out over a period of six months so as to cover seasonal variations. Sewage samples were collected from the influents and effluents of STP to determine the occurrences and removal of the amoxicillin. Concentration of amoxicillin in the untreated raw sewage at the STP varied from “not detected” (ND) to 172.6 ng L⁻¹. After treatment, it varied from ND to 62.5 ng L⁻¹. Average removal efficiency was 49.7%. Presently, there is great focus on the reuse of the treated sewage. So, findings of the study can help to build a better understanding of reuse options for treated effluents and preparation of appropriate water resources management plans.

Keywords:

• PPCPs
• Antibiotics
• Amoxicillin
• STP

Acknowledgment

One of the authors PKM is thankful to University Grants Commission (UGC), Delhi, for providing him the Junior Research Fellowship (UGC-JRF).