CHARACTERISATION OF ORGANIC MATTERS IN INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER AND THEIR REMOVAL THROUGH BIOSORPTION ON ACTIVATED SLUDGE

Abstract

In this thesis, the general profile of organic matters present in industrial wastewater was characterized through various strategies such as the use of bulk parameters (COD, DOC), as well as fractionation based on molecular size (LC-OCD) and hydrophobicity (resin fractionation). Subsequently, the thesis also examined the fate of these organic matters after a biosorption treatment using activated sludge as the biosorbent. Batch experiments were performed to determine the optimum operating conditions for the continuous biosorption treatment system that was set-up in the laboratory. The optimum operating conditions were determined to be 30 minutes contact time, 2500 mg/L MLVSS, and pH 7. The effect of operating parameters such as HRT, SRT, and aeration was also investigated on the continuous system. At high organic loads, a 10 minute increase in HRT was observed to lead to a twofold increase in organics removal performance.