Abstract
A continuous bipolar mode electrocoagulation (CBME) unit was used in this study for polishing a biologically treated distillery wastewater at laboratory scale. This study focuses on optimizing the process for removal of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) from an anaerobically-treated distillery wastewater. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimizing the process. The study was conducted by varying three operating parameters: Initial pH (2-10), reaction time (0.5-15 min), and current density (13-40 A/sqm). High R-square values, above 0.9, were obtained with ANOVA. Optimal point was observed to be at pH-6.04, Reaction time-11.63 min, current density-39.2 A/sqm. Experimental values of TOC removal at optimal point were found to be 73% against maximum predicted value of 79%. Color removal efficiency was observed to be 85% at the optimal points. It can be concluded that CBME system can be a suitable alternative for removal of recalcitrant carbon and color post-biological treatment in distillery wastewaters.
Highlights
The wastewater released from distilleries is highly acidic in nature and highly colored
Physico chemical treatment methods like ozonation [3], membrane processes, fenton oxidation process have been studied as tertiary treatment for Distillery Wastewater (DWW), after biological treatment [4]
Electrochemical methods have been studied for DWW for decolorization of melanoidins [9], removal of COD and color [10,11]
Summary
The wastewater released from distilleries is highly acidic in nature and highly colored. Wastewater is characterized by the presence of recalcitrant organic compound called melanoidins, which contributes to color. Biological treatment is usually adopted for treatment of DWW, color compounds cannot be removed, even after the biological treatment. Discharge of improperly treated DWW in surface waters leads to obstruction of photosynthetic activity due to its highly colored nature[1,2]. Physico chemical treatment methods like ozonation [3], membrane processes, fenton oxidation process have been studied as tertiary treatment for DWW, after biological treatment [4]. Electrochemical methods have been studied for DWW for decolorization of melanoidins [9], removal of COD and color [10,11]. The hydroxides or poly-hydroxide particles formed as a result of release of metal ions from anodes are more active than conventional coagulants [14,15]
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