Abstract
We evaluate the applicability of a reverse osmosis (RO) system that combines powdered activated carbon (PAC) and ultrafiltration (UF) to treat the effluent discharged from tannery wastewater treatment plants. Conventional treatment processes such as neutralization, clariflocculation, and biological processes are used to clean the effluent before feeding to the PAC and UF combined RO system. The efficiency of the combined system was evaluated using the chemical oxygen demand Mn (CODMn), color, pH, turbidity, total nitrogen, total phosphate, and conductivity. The PAC was effective in greatly reducing the CODMn and color. The turbidity and silt density index of the UF permeate satisfied the water quality indices required for the RO feed. The RO system was constantly maintained at approximately 75% RO recovery, and the RO permeate satisfied the water quality requirements for reusing the processed water. Therefore, the PAC-UF combined RO system can be used to process effluent discharged from tannery wastewater treatment plants for reuse.
Highlights
Tanning is one of the oldest industries and requires huge amounts of water in several stages, generating enormous quantities of liquid effluents
The main objective of this study was to investigate the performance of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and UF pretreatment in an reverse osmosis (RO) system, and to evaluate the subsequent reuse of the effluent discharged from tannery wastewater treatment plants
The raw wastewater is mainly characterized by using the COD, color, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), pH, turbidity, and conductivity
Summary
Tanning is one of the oldest industries and requires huge amounts of water (approximately 15 to 20 m3 per ton of hide processed) in several stages, generating enormous quantities of liquid effluents. Tannery wastewater, which generates many complex and high effluent loads, is difficult to treat and requires extensive treatment prior to reuse. Conventional processes such as oxidation, chemical, and biological processes are used to treat the tannery wastewater (Durai & Rajasimman ).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
