Sustainable Treatment of Paint Industry Wastewater and Resource Recovery

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the development of a sustainable wastewater treatment solution for the paint industry, focusing on the utilization of natural coagulants Azadirachta Indica and Calotropis Procera locally known as Neem and Sodom Apple/AAK respectively. The research addresses the limitations of conventional chemical treatments by demonstrating the efficacy of natural coagulants in treating paint industry wastewater, considering both economic feasibility and environmental safety. The study evaluates the effectiveness of Neem and AAK in reducing turbidity of paint industry wastewater and compares their performance with traditional chemical coagulants such as Alum. Furthermore, the research explores the environmental implications of chemical sludge produced in conventional treatment methods and proposes an innovative approach for sludge recovery by utilizing it as a fertilizer for plants. The coagulation-flocculation process is conducted using a Jar test apparatus, facilitating controlled experimentation and optimization of treatment parameters. Through experimental analysis and quality assessment, this research demonstrates the potential of natural coagulants in providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for paint industry wastewater treatment, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact and promoting circular economy principles in industrial wastewater management.