COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF WATER PURIFICATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article presents an integrative review on water purification techniques aimed at the pharmaceutical industry, recognizing water as an essential input in the productive processes of this sector. The objective of the study was to identify, describe, and compare the main purification methods employed, such as reverse osmosis, distillation, ultrafiltration, and deionization, analyzing their advantages, disadvantages, and practical applications. The methodology was based on a search for scientific articles in the PubMed, SciELO, and ScienceDirect databases, using specific descriptors and predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a temporal scope between 2010 and 2024. In total, 28 potentially relevant articles were identified, of which 15 were selected for final analysis. The results indicate that the choice of the most appropriate technique varies according to regulatory requirements, the profile of the contaminant to be removed, and the intended use of the water in the process. Reverse osmosis stood out for its high efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while distillation was valued for the quality achieved, despite its high energy consumption. It is concluded that continuous technological advancement has expanded purification possibilities — especially through system automation, smart sensors, and high-performance membranes — contributing to greater safety, efficacy, and compliance with current pharmaceutical industry standards.