Performance optimization of coagulant/flocculant in the treatment of wastewater from a beverage industry

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 2006-02, Vol.129 (1), p.69-72
• Main Authors: Amuda, O.S., Amoo, I.A., Ajayi, O.O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Beverage wastewater; Beverages; Coagulation; Exact sciences and technology; Flocculation; Fruit; General purification processes; General treatment and storage processes; Industrial Waste; pH control; Pollution; Polyelectrolyte; Sludge; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Waste Management - methods; Wastes; Wastewaters; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.07.078

This study investigated the effect of coagulation/flocculation treatment process on wastewater of Fumman Beverage Industry, Ibadan, Nigeria. The study also compared different dosages of coagulant, polyelectrolyte (non-ionic polyacrylamide) and different pH values of the coagulation processes. The effect of different dosages of polyelectrolyte in combination with coagulant was also studied. The results reveal that low pH values (3–8), enhance removal efficiency of the contaminants. Percentage removal of 78, 74 and 75 of COD, TSS and TP, respectively, were achieved by the addition of 500 mg/L Fe 2(SO 4) 3·3H 2O and 93, 94 and 96% removal of COD, TSS and TP, respectively, were achieved with the addition of 25 mg/L polyelectrolyte to the coagulation process. The volume of sludge produced, when coagulant was used solely, was higher compared to the use of polyelectrolyte combined with Fe 2(SO 4) 3·3H 2O. This may be as a result of non-ionic nature of the polyelectrolyte; hence, it does not chemically react with solids of the wastewater. Coagulation/flocculation may be useful as a pre-treatment process for beverage industrial wastewater prior to biological treatment.