Treatment of Electroplating Wastewater by Adsorption Technique

Abstract

The wastewater treatment process was evaluated in an Electroplating unit that practiced chrome and bronze plating. With a view to recycle and reuse the wastewater, adsorption process was adopted as single stage treatment instead of the existing chemical methods. Wastewater was collected from chrome and bronze plating unit and analyzed for the relevant parameters. On the basis of characteristics, adsorption process was selected and materials such as wood charcoal, coconut shell carbon, activated carbon etc. were not proved to be effective for acceptable removal of chromium and copper as well as colour. Later, Activated Alumina (AS 37 of grain size 0.6 mm - 0.9 mm) was opted and its performance was examined by several batch and column studies. The results showed that the chrome and bronze plating wastewater might be combined together and the composite sample could be treated with Activated Alumina to remove chromium, copper and colour appreciably. Under the existing pollution load in terms of chromium and copper, an adsorption column made of activated alumina was designed following the classical Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) relationship. Keywords—activated Alumina, adsorption, chrome-bronze plating, electroplating wastewater