Synthesis of Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles and its Application in Grey Water Treatment

Abstract

Nanotechnology is one of the emerging technologies with unique functionalities and great potential in the removal of pollutants from waste water. Nanoparticle mediated waste water treatment is a promising alternative to traditional water treatment techniques. Considerable amount of grey water is thrown out of the household activities on a daily basis, which in turn lead to environmental pollution in the long run and hence results in increased fresh water consumption. The present study focused on the synthesis of calcium carbonate nanoparticles using homogenisation process for the treatment of grey water. The nanoparticles were characterised using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The synthesised nanoparticles were employed in the batch treatment of grey water by varying the solution pH, stirring time; stirring speed and dosage of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. The pollutant removal efficiency of the nanoparticles were assessed by measuring the Chemical Oxygen demand (COD), Total Suspended solids (TDS), Total dissolved solids (TDS), Dissolved oxygen (DO) and turbidity. The study demonstrates that the optimum pollutant removal efficiency was obtained at pH 8.0, stirring speed of 100 rpm, mixing time of 75 minutes and 0.7 g dosage of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. The maximum reduction in COD at optimum processing condition was 78%. The outcome of the study suggests that calcium carbonate nanoparticle could effectively remove pollutants from grey water. This research is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSD), which is clean water and sanitation. This community engagement project will serve the society by saving the water and to produce a clean environment.