Use of Combined Electrolyte and Polymeric Materials for Coagulation-Flocculation of Real Industrial Effluents: Empirical Modeling and Optimization

This study aims to shortly present information on monomeric (electrolyte) and polymeric coagulants / flocculants applied for industrial effluent treatment in association with the main technological optimization aspects, considering (i) the optimization of coagulation-flocculation process associated with chemical precipitation of phosphates and other species (e.g., process variables dependent of the coagulant/flocculant type and doses, effluent characteristics as pH, initial suspended solids content, turbidity, COD-Cr, agitation regime, temperature, operating time); (ii) the optimization of suspended solids separation in pre-treatment step, and (iii) the optimization of final separation of formed agglomerates or flocs to perform the highest treatment degree referring to suspended solids content, turbidity and color. In this context, an experimental planning of the coagulation-flocculation treatment step applied for an industrial effluent (i.e. industrial effluent produced from a Romanian ceramic products manufacturing company) is discussed by applying a 23 central compositional rotatable design. The results of this effluent treatment based on coagulation-flocculation step were found corresponding in terms of efficiency and cost. Our results underline the benefits of using combination of monomeric and polymeric materials as coagulant and flocculant in the industrial effluent treatment station, and their advantages when mechanical-chemical treatment steps are applied.