Separation of Chromium from Tannery Effluent by Reverse Osmosis

Abstract

In recent years Industrial pollution has become the most important subject for environmental researchers. Tannery effluent is one of the critical pollution issue in and around the city of Kolkata in India. It carries toxic element like Chromium along with other several pollutants in it. Different types of known conventional treatment process are not used because of their system complexity and higher cost. As a result the effluent is discharged in the surface waterways without any treatment causing damage to the plant and aquatic life. Chromium is not only a toxic pollutant, it is a costly chemical essentially required for Tannery, Electroplating and other Industries. So separation of Chromium does not only reduce pollution, recovery of this costly chemical makes the system cost effective. Attempt is made to find out some cheaper and effective treatment process for this Chromium containing waste. In this paper study on chromium separation process by Reverse Osmosis is described. Separation of chromium achieved as high as 99%. It is also recommended to maintain a pH range. It is reported that the system can be operated successfully at a pressure within 10 to 15 kg/cm 2 . Different operating and system parameters are studied and reported in here. Mathematical co relation developed is also presented.