Toxicity Removal of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent by Employing Chemicals

Abstract

Pulp and paper are manufactured from raw materials containing cellulose fibers, generally wood, recycled paper, and agricultural residues. In developing countries, about 60% of cellulose fibers originate from nonwood raw materials such as bagasse (sugar cane fibers), cereal straw, bamboo, reeds, esparto grass, jute, flax, and sisal. Large amount of toxic effluent is released during process of paper production. Pulp and paper mill spent wash (raw effluent) is highly acidic in nature with high BOD, COD, TDS,  TSS, phenol, sulphate, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and metals viz. Mn Zn Cu Ni Fe and Na . Effluent was treated with chemicals FeCl3 and KMnO4. pH was found to increase from 7.8 to 8.4 on increasing concentration (1 gl-1 to 5 gl-1) of KMnO4. Similarly colour, COD and BOD were decreasing with increasing concentration of KMnO4. Maximum colour, COD and BOD reduction were recorded 21.25%, 93.79% and 81.48% respectively at 5g l-1 concentration of KMnO4. Decrease in pH was recorded from 3.3 to 2.0 on increasing concentration (1 gl-1 to 5 gl-1) of FeCl3 (Ferric chloride).  Decrease in colour, COD and BOD were also observed with increasing concentration of FeCl3. Maximum colour, COD and BOD reduction were recorded 99.10%, 54.16% and 85.92% respectively at 5g l-1 conc. of FeCl3.