We design and supply complete systems for the advanced treatment of wastewater containing pharmaceuticals and hormones.

Quaternary treatment of wastewater

Reliable removal of pharmaceuticals and hormones

Did you know…

MEGA’s quaternary treatment technology protects both human health and the environment – in compliance with the latest European Directive.

Our technology meets the latest European requirements for the removal of micropollutants.

We design systems based on water characteristics, operational requirements, and site constraints.

We bring decades of experience in delivering effective solutions for demanding applications.

Advanced quaternary treatment technology by MEGA

Advanced quaternary treatment technology by MEGA

We deliver advanced solutions for sustainable water resource management

Quaternary treatment is an advanced technological solution designed to remove micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other persistent organic contaminants from wastewater.

Conventional mechanical-biological and tertiary treatment processes often do not achieve sufficient removal efficiency for these substances. MEGA provides specialised, highly efficient, and fully customisable quaternary treatment systems that comply with the latest European requirements set out in EU Directive 2024/3019.

What is quaternary treatment

What is quaternary treatment and why is it important?

Quaternary wastewater treatment targets the removal of micropollutants – substances that are not effectively eliminated by conventional treatment processes, may pose risks to human health and the environment, and can accumulate in ecosystems.

By introducing quaternary treatment, the risk of environmental contamination is significantly reduced, helping to protect both public health and the environment.

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MEGA technology solution – detailed process description

Pre-treatment quaternary treatment

Pre-treatment

Optimisation of the incoming wastewater flow and mechanical removal of suspended solids that could affect the performance of subsequent treatment stages. Microscreens or fine mechanical filtration are used to capture particles such as cellulose fibres and other solids present in the wastewater stream.

This stage reduces the risk of equipment fouling and ensures a stable flow rate, which is essential for efficient and reliable oxidation. A properly designed pre-treatment system significantly extends the service life of the entire treatment process.

Benefits of effective pre-treatment

Improved hydraulic conditions for the oxidation process Prevention of fouling and clogging in downstream treatment stages Minimisation of the load of particle-bound micropollutants entering the system
Oxidation and ozonation

Oxidation

During the oxidation stage, selected pharmaceutical compounds and hormones are specifically targeted and removed using ozone. The process is controlled through continuous monitoring of residual O₃ 3concentrations to ensure both operational safety and treatment efficiency. Ozone acts as a powerful oxidising agent, breaking down contaminants into less harmful compounds and improving the biodegradability of residual substances.

This stage is essential for meeting regulatory requirements for the removal of substances such as diclofenac, metoprolol, and benzotriazole. Ozonation also helps reduce odour levels and improves overall water quality.

Benefits of ozonation

Highly effective removal of pharmaceuticals, including diclofenac and carbamazepine Automated process control, including residual ozone monitoring Ozone dosage can be adjusted according to current water quality and composition
Granular activated carbon filtration, GAC

Granular activated carbon filtration, GAC

The final stage of the process is designed to remove residual micropollutants and oxidation by-products from the treated water. Granular activated carbon effectively adsorbs a wide range of substances, including pharmaceutical metabolites that may remain after ozonation.

This stage ensures consistently high output quality with extremely low residual concentrations, often below detection limits. GAC filtration is a reliable, well-established, and easy-to-maintain technology that provides an effective final polishing step for the entire treatment process.

Benefits of GAC filtration

Stable output quality even under fluctuating input conditions Removal of residual organic micropollutants to below detection limits Easy replacement and regeneration of the filter media based on operational load

Effective removal of pharmaceuticals and hormones

Benefits of the MEGA solution

Benefits of the MEGA solution

  • Guaranteed high efficiency: Removal of most monitored pharmaceutical substances.
  • First implementation in the Czech Republic:Successfully implemented at Thomayer University Hospital.
  • Fast implementation: The technology was delivered and commissioned within just five months.
  • Use of recycled water: Treated water can be reused within hospitals and other facilities, reducing costs and supporting sustainability.
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Thomayer University Hospital, Prague

Who can benefit from this solution?

  • Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs): An effective solution for micropollutant removal and compliance with the requirements of the new European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (EU Directive 2024/3019).
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities: To reduce environmental risks associated with pharmaceuticals and hormone-related substances.
  • Social care facilities: Helping provide a safer environment for residents and staff through improved water quality.
  • Water management solution designers: A comprehensive solution for meeting the latest regulatory requirements.
Solution for your facility

Case study

THOMAYER UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, CZECH REPUBLIC

Thomayer University Hospital, Czech Republic

Decentralised micropollutant removal at a hospital wastewater treatment plant

The installation at Thomayer University Hospital demonstrated:99.4% removal efficiency for pharmaceutical compounds at commissioning (April 2024), stable long-term performance above 90% (93% in October 2024), and full compliance with the stringent requirements of EU Directive 2024/3019 and the indicative list of the Norway Grants Programme.

Project highlights

At least 90% reduction in selected pharmaceutical compounds First installation of its kind for hospital wastewater in the Czech Republic Project delivered in 5 months
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Why choose MEGA?

MEGA brings extensive experience in water and wastewater treatment. With in-depth expertise in advanced treatment technologies and process engineering, we deliver tailored solutions designed to meet the specific requirements of each project.

Water treatment technology for municipalities, cities, and industry

Benefits of the MEGA solution

  • Expertise and experience: A team of specialised professionals with many years of industry experience.
  • Precise engineering and design: Detailed technology design tailored to your operational needs.
  • Comprehensive services: From From concept and design through implementation and service support.
  • Advanced automation: User-friendly operation, high efficiency, and reliable performance.
  • Warranty and post-warranty service:Fast technical support and responsive troubleshooting.

Request a free consultation for your water or wastewater project

Contact us to find out how quaternary treatment technology can help your facility comply with the latest regulatory requirements while contributing to the protection of human health and the environment.

Please fill out the form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Interested? Contact us!

František Bervida

František Bervida

Senior Sales Manager

+420 778 472 336 frantisek.bervida@mega.cz

MEGA a.s.

+420 778 472 336 obchod.dvh@mega.cz

Ke Klíčovu 191/9
190 00 Praha 9 - Vysočany
Czech Republic

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