Abstract:
Water scarcity and water pollution pose a critical challenge in many developing
countries including Pakistan. One of the solutions to this issue is the reuse of
wastewater after suitable level of treatment. Wastewater treatment is continually
refined to improve its performance and meet stringent disposal standards. A range
of physical, chemical and biological methods have been used for wastewater
treatment. Alum and Iron salts are traditionally used as coagulants for water and
wastewater treatment in chemical process. Search for new and efficient coagulants
have always been on, to improve efficiency of process. In this study, coagulation
and flocculation processes with Titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) for wastewater
treatment are investigated in terms of turbidity, COD, BOD and TSS removal at
different coagulant dosages and pH values. The competency of this coagulant is
investigated by comparing with the traditionally used coagulants such as
Aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) and Ferric chloride (FeCl3). All experiments were
performed on laboratory scale with Jar Test Apparatus. Titanium tetrachloride was
found better in COD, BOD, TSS and turbidity removal in all pH values especially
at pH 5-7. Titanium tetrachloride showed the highest COD removal (85%) at pH 5.
Titanium tetrachloride showed 77-84% TSS removal and 88-97% turbidity removal
at pH 5-7. With the development of titanium industry, titanium salts are gradually
becoming comparable in price to the conventional coagulants. Titanium
tetrachloride is found to be an effective new coagulant in wastewater treatment in
terms of organic matter removal. It’s sludge is also a resource rather than a burden.
