Tackling the challenge of micropollutants in wastewater
Micropollutants in wastewater such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, or industrial chemical compounds – are notoriously difficult to degrade. If not treated properly, they can enter water supplies and contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance. This is why effective biological treatment solutions that enable the safe removal of antibiotics and other pollutants from wastewater are increasingly vital for both industry and municipalities.
eXeno™ Micropollutant Solution
eXeno™ is a proven, sustainable technology based on Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) principles, developed by AnoxKaldnes. It harnesses specialised microorganisms that grow on plastic carriers within the reactor, creating a highly efficient biological environment for the removal of pharmaceuticals and complex residual compounds from wastewater.
Unlike conventional systems, eXeno™ enables significantly longer sludge retention times (SRT). This encourages the growth of slower-developing bacteria that can degrade compounds that would otherwise pass through traditional treatment systems.
How eXeno™ Works
- Biological process – The system relies on natural microbial communities attached to carriers inside the reactor. These microbes perform advanced biological treatment by breaking down micropollutants.
- Extended retention time – Longer SRT allows for the growth of unique organisms that are capable of handling complex compounds such as pharmaceuticals.
- High efficiency – Achieves between 50–80% removal rates for hard-to-degrade pharmaceuticals.
- Resource-efficient – Reduces reliance on ozone or activated carbon, cutting both energy use and chemical costs.
- Environmentally responsible – Avoids the release of harmful by-products, supporting a sustainable approach to pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.
REFERENCES
AnoxKaldnes’ technologies are found in more than 1,200 treatment plants around the world. Contact us for references related to your specific needs.
CONTACT
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Proven Technology for Industry and Municipalities
With more than 25 references worldwide, eXeno™ has been successfully applied across multiple sectors, especially in water treatment in pharmaceutical industry facilities, hospitals, and municipal plants. Whether it is complete pharmaceutical wastewater treatment or tertiary polishing for existing plants, eXeno™ provides reliable, scalable solutions.
Benefits of eXeno™
- Effective – Achieves high removal (50–80%) of complex pharmaceuticals and chemical compounds.
- Economical – Uses biology first, requiring less energy, ozone, or activated carbon compared to other methods.
- Environmentally friendly – Reduces risks of harmful by-products and protects water resources.
What are micropollutants and why are they a concern?
Micropollutants are trace chemical compounds such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, or personal care products that are not easily removed by conventional wastewater treatment. If left untreated,micropollutants in wastewater can contaminate natural water sources and pose risks to both human health and the environment.
How does eXeno™ differ from traditional treatment methods?
Conventional treatment often relies on ozone or activated carbon. eXeno™ uses advanced biological treatment, reducing chemical consumption while improving the removal of antibiotics and other hard-to-remove compounds in wastewater making it an approach well-suited to Australia and New Zealand’s focus on sustainable water management.
What types of compounds can eXeno™ remove?
The technology is particularly effective at degrading pharmaceutical residues, antibiotics, personal care products, and industrial chemical compounds pollutants increasingly found in urban wastewater streams and industrial discharge in the ANZ region.
Can eXeno™ be retrofitted into existing wastewater treatment plants?
Yes. eXeno™ is modular and can be integrated as a tertiary treatment step into existing wastewater facilities across Australia and New Zealand, boosting performance without the need for a complete plant replacement.
Is eXeno™ environmentally friendly?
Absolutely. By relying on biology first and minimising chemical use, eXeno™ avoids harmful by-products and supports Australia and New Zealand’s long-term goals for greener, more sustainable pharmaceutical water treatment solutions.
How to remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater?
The most effective approach is through a combination of targeted biological processes and optimised plant design. eXeno™ achieves this by cultivating specialised microorganisms capable of degrading difficult compounds, delivering a reliable and cost-effective solution for the water treatment in pharmaceutical industry and beyond.