Hybrid dual treatment of real textile wastewater using electrochemical treatment (ECT) and membrane bioreactor (MBR).

Raw real silk textile wastewater was treated using batch electrochemical coagulation (ECC) method. Iron and aluminum electrodes in monopolar parallel arrangement were using a specific electrode area to volume of 24 m²/m³ and a cell voltage of 6 V as the optimal operating condition. Chemical oxygen demand removal ranged from 88% to 92% for iron and aluminum electrodes. Settleability and filterability characteristics of ECC-treated wastewater were at ease. UV–visible spectral analysis was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of ECC treatment for color removal from textile wastewater. An electrolysis time of 10–20 min was sufficient to remove maximum apparent color from the solution. The sludge obtained after electrochemical treatment (ECT) was analyzed for its composition by energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The supernatant from ECT after sludge settling was further treated using membrane bioreactor (MBR) for removal of trace pollutants/solids residues. The results proved the suitability of the dual hybrid treatment process for the complete removal of pollutants/contaminants combining ECC and MBR with ~75% clear water reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]