In many ways, the world has become a more sustainable place in recent years. There are more and more technological innovations that help us use our resources more efficiently and reduce the amount of waste we produce. Ozone technology is one such innovation, and it is playing an increasingly important role in the treatment of hospital waste. Let’s take a closer look at this technology and how it is helping to protect our environment.
Hospitals produce a great deal of waste, most of which is medical waste. This can include sharps (needles and other objects that can penetrate the skin), body fluids, and radioactive materials. Properly disposing of this waste is essential for protecting both hospital staff and patients from potentially serious health hazards. Hospital wastewater also needs to be properly treated before it is released into the environment. One possible treatment option is ozone.
Hospital Waste Treatment Using Ozone
Ozone can effectively disinfect hospital wastewater and break down organic pollutants. It is a highly effective oxidation agent that can be used in combination with other treatments, such as ultraviolet radiation or activated carbon filters.
Hospitals are significant sources of pollutants resulting from diagnostic, laboratory, and research activities as well as patient drug excretion, which include active compounds and metabolites, chemicals and residues of pharmaceuticals, radioactive markers, iodinated contrast media. Hospitals generate massive amounts of waste that can be hazardous to the environment and public health.
The discharge of hospital wastes and wastewater, particularly those without adequate treatment, poses a danger of infection to members of the public. In particular, as part of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic scenario, it is critical to minimize public and environmental health risks. The technologies utilized in hospital waste and wastewater treatment have been summarized in this study. Hospital sewage disinfection is typically accomplished with liquid chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and ultraviolet irradiation. Incineration, chemical disinfection, and physical disinfection are the most frequently used methods for hospital waste decontamination.
Hospitals generate a variety of pollutants as a result of diagnostic, laboratory, and research procedures as well as patient excretion, which include active ingredients in medicines and metabolites, chemicals, pharmaceuticals residues, radioisotopes, iodinated contrast media.
The disinfection technologies that are commonly used in hospitals include ozonation, ultraviolet irradiation, liquid chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and sodium hypochlorite. Advantages and disadvantages of each technique must be considered carefully. The choice of a specific type of disinfection technology should be made after taking into account both economic and practical factors, such as the amount of wastewater, sanitation conditions, availability of disinfectants, distance between the wastewater treatment system and residential area, investment and operation costs, operation management level, etc.
Comparison of Various Disinfection Technologies
| Disinfection technology | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Liquid chlorine | Low energy consumption | High storage risk |
| Ultraviolet light | Low investment and operation costs | Inadequate depth of penetration and occupational health risks |
| Chlorine dioxide | High efficiency and low operation costs | Inconvenient storage and transport |
| Sodium hypochlorite | Low toxicity, simple equipment, stable operation, easy control, and low operation and preparation costs | High energy consumption, strong corrosiveness, and high pollution |
| Ozone | The ability of decoloring and deodorizing and quick decomposition of microorganisms | High operation costs and hazardous by-products |
Bottom Line
In hospitals, there are many sources of waste including infectious and hazardous wastes. In order to protect both patients and staff, it is important that these wastes are properly treated before being released into the environment. One way to treat hospital waste is through the use of ozone. Ozone can be used to disinfect medical equipment and surfaces as well as break down organic matter in wastewater. By using ozone treatment, hospitals can reduce their environmental impact while ensuring the safety.
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