Overview - ISO 12370:2025
ISO 12370:2025, "Guidelines for treatment and reuse of fermentation-based pharmaceutical wastewater," provides technical guidance for treating and reclaiming wastewater generated by fermentation-based pharmaceutical production. The standard addresses pollution loading, classification, general treatment principles, applicable wastewater treatment and reclamation technologies, and example process flows to support different treatment conditions and reuse purposes. Prepared by ISO/TC 282 (Water reuse), SC 4, it complements vocabulary and reuse frameworks such as ISO 20670:2023.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Pollution loading and classification
- Guidance on classifying process vs. non-process wastewater, typical influent volumes and pollutant loads (the document notes wide variability in organic load; reported COD ranges can reach 4 410–40 000 mg/l in some fermentation wastewaters).
- General principles
- Framework for selecting treatment trains based on pollution load and intended reuse end‑use.
- Treatment unit processes
- Pretreatment and solids removal.
- Biological processes: hydrolysis–acidification reactors, UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket), activated sludge, IFAS (integrated fixed-film activated sludge).
- Reclamation and advanced treatment
- Nutrient control (denitrification), activated carbon adsorption, coagulation/precipitation, membrane separation, high-efficiency sedimentation, ion exchange, MBR (membrane bioreactor).
- Advanced oxidation and disinfection: Fenton oxidation, ozone catalytic oxidation, ultraviolet disinfection.
- Practical support
- Example treatment and reclamation process flows and informative annexes on wastewater quality and membrane influent criteria.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 12370:2025
- Pharmaceutical environmental and process engineers designing on‑site wastewater treatment and reuse systems.
- Water reuse consultants and technology suppliers evaluating treatment trains (MBR, UASB, IFAS, membrane systems).
- Plant operations and environmental managers implementing reclamation for in‑plant reuse, irrigation, or non‑potable applications.
- Regulators, auditors and sustainability teams developing compliance strategies, pollution control plans, and circular water management programs.
Benefits and keywords
- Improves decision-making for wastewater treatment, water reuse, and reclamation in fermentation pharmaceutical operations.
- Supports risk reduction for pharmaceutical residues and protects aquatic ecosystems and public health.
- Relevant keywords: ISO 12370:2025, fermentation-based pharmaceutical wastewater, wastewater treatment, water reuse, membrane bioreactor (MBR), UASB, activated sludge, IFAS, advanced oxidation, activated carbon, denitrification.
Related standards
For implementation, refer to the full ISO 12370:2025 text and informative annexes (A–C) for wastewater quality examples and treatment process illustrations.
Open preview (PDF)Guidelines for treatment and reuse of fermentation-based pharmaceutical wastewater
