Hospital wastewater isn’t just “dirty water”—it’s a complex mixture of hazardous substances. It contains pathogenic microorganisms (like bacteria and viruses), pharmaceutical residues (antibiotics, hormones, contrast media), toxic chemicals (disinfectants, heavy metals), and even radioactive isotopes from oncology treatments. If released untreated, this cocktail can contaminate drinking water, promote antibiotic resistance in the environment, and harm aquatic life. That’s why it’s classified as a high-risk industrial wastewater in most countries.