Removal of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Color from Dyeing Wastewater by Pre-ozonation and Subsequent Biological Treatment

Abstract

The effects of pre-ozonation and subsequent biological treatment on the decrease in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and color from dyeing wastewater were investigated. Moreover, the compositions of organic compounds in raw wastewater (RW) and the respective treated waters were estimated, and microscopic observations of the mixed liquor were conducted. The amount of ozone required to remove 1 mg of DOC and the DOC removal rate brought about by pre-ozonation ranged from 6.6 to 13.2 mgO3/mgC and 12 to 15%, respectively. The total amount of DOC removed was increased by the combined use of pre-ozonation and subsequent biological treatment, and pre-ozonation did not necessarily lead to an increase in the amount of DOC removed by biological treatment. However, this combined method was effective in decreasing color and adsorbable organic halide formation potential (AOXFP). The rates of the dyestuff in RW and the respective treated waters were less than 10% of total DOC, and those of the other non-biodegradable compounds were much higher than those of the dyestuff. The morphological difference was observed in the predominant bacteria in RW with and without pre-ozonation.