Decolorization of simulated textile wastewaters in fixed-bed treatment system

Abstract

The main purpose of the presented study was to examine the potential of fixed-bed treatment system for colour and TOC reduction, regarding various parameters such as wastewater characteristics, loading rate and hydraulic retention time (9-20 hours). The treatment system consisted of a cylindrical polypropylene column packed with natural tuff, and was continuously dosed with simulated textile wastewaters. Assessment of the biofilter‘s performance was verified by means of monitoring absorbance and total organic carbon in initial and treated wastewaters attaining colour removal efficiency by up to 80 % and TOC by up to 75 %, after an acclimatization period of 11-14 days, depending on the chemical constitution of applied dyestuffs and operational parameters of fixed-bed system. Different retention times, which depend on velocity flow, have a superior influence on treatment efficiency. The longer the time, the greater the effects of wastewater treatment and the pollution parameters are lower.