Methods for removing detergents from waste waters

Abstract

AbstractA number of processes have been investigated or are being investigated for removal of alkyl‐benzene sulfonate (ABS) from waste waters. These can be divided into processes applicable to launderette wastes and processes applicable to municipal waste water although there is overlap. Launderette waste treating methods include, flocculation, flotation, adsorption on activated carbon or ion exchange materials and filtration. In municipal waste water treatment any ABS removal method must be very inexpensive. Two methods that have been used to remove most of the residual ABS after conventional sewage treatment are foaming and adding of cationic detergents. Both methods are capable of removing ABS down to levels of 0.5 ppm or less. A number of other treatment methods that will remove organics, including ABS, from municipal wastes are being studied. Their costs are, in general, too high to make them applicable for ABS removal alone. Processes under study include adsorption, chemical oxidation, ion exchange, electrochemical degradation and even distillation.