Evaluation of heavy metal removal from industrial wastewater using a new natural flocculant

Bahman Nazari¹ Saba Abdolalian² Mohsen Taghavijeloudar³

1) Master of Chemical Engineering, Babol University of Technology, 47148-71167, Babol, Iran
2) Master of Environment Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol, Iran
3) PhD of Environment Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 151‑744 Seoul, South Korea

Publication : 7th.International Conference on Researches in Science & Engineering & 4th.International Congress on Civil, Architecture and Urbanism in Asia(7icrsie.com)
Abstract :
Conventional flocculants cause environmental and health concerns which could be avoided by applying natural materials. In this research, performance of Pistacia terebinthus, as an eco-friendly coagulant for industrial wastewater treatment was evaluated. To do this, different dosages of Pistacia terebinthus (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g/L) was applied to industrial wastewater to remove heavy metals of Pb2+ and Cu2+. The effect of various initial pH (3, 5, 7, 9, 11) on the flucculant performance was investigated. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra was conducted to find the morphology of flocs and the main mechanism of treatment, respectively. The results showed that under the optimal condition of NF dosage = 2 g/L and pH=11, maximum removal efficiencies of 98% and 99% was obtained for Pb2+ and Cu2+, respectively after 60 minutes of settling time. The results revealed that the main mechanism of the Pistacia terebinthus as natural flocculant with pH adjustment for heavy metal removal is bridging combined with charge neutralization. The findings of the current work proved that Pistacia terebinthus can be considered as a promising flocculant for sustainable industrial wastewater treatment.
Keywords : Wastewater treatment Flocculation Pulp and paper wastewater Heavy metal removal