Coagulation/adsorption combined treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater
Journal Article
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Publication Abstract:
This study focused on the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater characterized as having exceptionally
high BOD, COD and TSS contents. A combined treatment system of coagulation and adsorption
onto activated carbon was applied for the effluent treatment. Different coagulants, including
alum, lime, ferrous sulfate, and ferric chloride were used individually and in combination. A jar
test method was applied to determine the optimal dose of these coagulants. The sludge formation
and COD measurements were made in each treatment type. Increasing dosages of coagulants
increased the sludge formation and COD removal. Volume of sludge was found to be an indicator
of maximum removal of COD. Alum was proved to be the best coagulant in removing COD up to
92%. Maximum sludge volume (400 ml/L) was also observed with alum. More than 90% removal
efficiency in pollution load was observed at the set optimal conditions with coagulation process. A
combination of coagulation and adsorption processes made negligible improvement in the removal
efficiency of the system and removed pollution load up to 96%.
Keywords: Slaughterhouse wastewater; Coagulation; Sludge; COD removal; Adsorption