Advanced strategies for the innovative treatment of hospital liquid effluents: A comprehensive review

Population growth and the development of the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals, clinics, research centers, and laboratories are increasing effluents, threatening human health and the environment. Hospital discharges can include biological, chemical, pharmaceutical, and wastewater wastes with high concentrations of chlorinated molecules, heavy metals, toxins, pathogens, and radioactive. This literature review addresses this major issue by identifying research gaps and developing recommendations, and future perspectives. To this end, the manuscript will discuss the main characteristics of hospital effluents, their impact on the health environment, and methods for their detection and treatment to provide a roadmap for health and environmental researchers and practitioners. Indeed, inadequate management can lead to soil, water, and air pollution, with serious consequences such as groundwater contamination and releasing toxic gases during incineration. As a result, the treatment of hospital discharges requires specific procedures, with traditional methods such as discharge into sewers and innovative methods such as coagulation-flocculation, biological membrane reactors, and advanced oxidation. Effective management involves rigorous evaluation of treatment methods, taking into account their effectiveness, cost, benefits, and social acceptability. Innovative practices, appropriate standards, and awareness-raising programs are crucial to protecting public health and the environment.