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Description
The project is focused on reconstruction of existing WWTP and installation of advanced treatment technologies. Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is located in Prague 4 – Krč on the premises owned by the Partner. The existing WWTP does not meet the conditions required by ČSN 75 6406 and its outdated biological line and chloration do not provide complete disinfection and removal of pharmaceuticals before discharge into sewage network. As of now, wastewater treated in existing hospital WWTP is discharged into sewage network and treated in a large-scale municipal WWTP. From environmental point of view it would be more suitable to provide completely decentralized treatment on-site followed by discharge into Kunratický stream. This solution would also help mitigate the on-going problems with insufficient flow in the stream. The proposed solution is an upgrade of the existing WWTP by providing a microfiltration separation unit, ozonation unit and GAU sorption unit. During wet weather flow, wastewater and stormwater exceeding the hydraulic capacity of the WWTP will be disinfected and discharged into municipal sewage network. The project will provide the medical facility with a powerful tool for removal of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites, thereby significantly decreasing the specific pollution of the sewer network and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The proposed technology will also be able to disinfect infectious waters. Treated effluent which will be discharged into municipal sewage network or recipient water body can provide a constant supply of water for the aquatic fauna and flora. This will be a significant contribution especially in the summer months when the flow fluctuates significantly.
Summary of project results
In our project, we tackled the pressing issue of pharmaceutical residues in hospital wastewater, focusing on eliminating these pollutants right at the source. This proactive approach ensures that municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which currently struggle to remove such contaminants, are not burdened with them. To achieve this, we employed advanced ozonation technology and filtration through granulated activated carbon (GAC), both of which have proven highly effective in removing drug residues from wastewater.
We enhanced the wastewater treatment system at Thomayer Faculty Hospital by adding a drum microscreen for mechanical pre-treatment and a disinfection system for emergency bypasses. Our ambition was to make a tangible impact—improving the lives of at least 1 million people, removing 90% of pharmaceutical contaminants, and setting a benchmark in environmental protection.
Partnering with MEGA a.s., we implemented this cutting-edge technology following a successful public tender, and provided ongoing technical support and regular lab analyses to fine-tune the system. These efforts significantly improved the quality of the treated water, leading to a marked reduction in harmful substances released into the environment. Looking ahead, we aim to apply for permission from water authorities to discharge the treated water into a nearby stream—this could have a positive ripple effect on the local ecosystem, especially in water-scarce areas.
The key outcome of this project was the successful integration of ozonation and GAC filtration into the hospital''s wastewater system, supplemented by mechanical and emergency treatment solutions. Importantly, this project offers a fresh perspective on micropollutant removal, a process that could be extended to urban WWTPs. With European Union regulations evolving, many treatment plants may soon be required to adopt similar technologies. The success of our project—achieving over 90% removal of indicator pharmaceuticals—provides valuable insight and sets a foundation for the broader application of advanced wastewater treatment across the Czech Republic.
The implemented project was particularly significant in the field of water management, which is now dealing with the issue of MP removal and places a high emphasis on it. The results are also important for the public, which will better understand the issue of MP in the environment and the role of the water management sector in its protection.