Over the past 2 years, Alumichem (previously named NORLEX) has in collaboration with DTU, and Teknologisk Institut developed a new technology that makes it possible to remove multi-resistant bacteria from hospital wastewater before it reaches the treatment plant.

By removing the multi-resistant bacteria at the hospitals, the health risk for the sewage workers and employees at the treatment plants is reduced. The technology also means that fewer multi-resistant bacteria are discharged to the environment in the event of sewage overflow.

The technology uses the chemical peracetic acid, which is also used for disinfection in the food industry and in hospitals. Peracetic acid is completely degraded in water and thus poses no environmental risk. In turn, it has been shown to be able to remove antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the wastewater.

A containerized pilot unit was set up at two different Danish hospitals where tests were carried out over a 2-year period. With the container in place, it was possible to take samples of wastewater during the process so that the effect of different dosage levels of peracetic acid could be tested.

“Based on the project, we can adapt the solutions to the different needs of hospitals and municipal treatment plants. Several Danish municipalities have already shown interest, and we know that there is an increasing need abroad to treat wastewater from hospitals.”
Thomas Eilkær, Director at Alumichem

Sources 
https://www.env.dtu.dk/om-os/nyheder/Nyhed?id={D7C1D511-570C-45B3-B893-D0A315AF6830}
https://ctwatch.dk/nyheder/vand/article12885726.ece
https://www.kemifokus.dk/fjerner-antibiotikaresistente-bakterier-fra-hospitalsspildevand/