X-RAY CONTRAST-MEDIA - A SOURCE OF THE AOX LOAD IN-HOSPITAL WASTE-WATER

Purpose: To identify the sources for the exceeding of the upper limit of the AOX (adsorbable organic halogen, X = Cl, Br, I) in hospital was te-water and to estimate the contribution of hospital waste-water to t he AOX of municipal waste-water. Methods: For several hospitals with d ifferent medical directions, the expected AOX-concentration, as far as it is caused by iodine contrast media, was ascertained by the contras t media consumption and the water consumption. The results were compar ed with the measured AOX concentrations. Results: The AOX-concentratio n of hospital waste-water varies between 0.41 mg/l and 0.94 mg/l. Conc lusion: As a source of AOX iodine contrast media have been identified and may contribute considerably to the AOX. Hospitals with a radiologi cal department may exceed the upper limit of the AOX which has to be o bserved in German municipal waste-water.