A COMPARISON OF EMERGING COAGULANT WITH TRADITIONAL CHEMICAL COAGULANTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT

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.