Pilot scale treatment of textile wastewater by combined process (fluidized biofilm process–chemical coagulation–electrochemical oxidation)

The performance of pilot scale combined process of fluidized biofilm process, chemical coagulation and electrochemical oxidation for textile wastewater treatment was studied. In order to enhance biological treatment efficiency, two species of microbes, which can degrade textile wastewater pollutants efficiently, were isolated and applied to the system with supporting media. FeCl3•6H2O, pH 6 and 3.25×10−3 mol/l were determined as optimal chemical coagulation condition and 25 mM NaCl of electrolyte concentration, 2.1 mA/cm2 of current density and 0.7 l/min of flow rate were chosen for the most efficient electrochemical oxidation at pilot scale treatment. The fluidized biofilm process showed 68.8% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 54.5% of color removal efficiency, even though using relatively low MLSS concentration and short sludge retention time. COD and color removals of 95.4% and 98.5% were achieved by overall combined process. The contribution of fluidized biofilm process to the overall combined process was increased over 25.7% of COD reduction and 20.5% of color reduction by adopting support media in biological treatment. It can be thought that the fluidized biofilm process was effective, and pollutant loading on post-treatment was pretty much decreased by this system. This combined process was highly competitive in comparison to the other similar combined systems. It was concluded that this combined process was successfully employed and much effectively decreased pollutant loading on post-treatment for textile wastewater treatment at pilot scale.