Comparative study on treatment of kitchen-sink wastewater using single and multichannel ceramic membrane

摘要

A comparative study was conducted to explore the potential of ceramic microfiltration membrane alone and in combination with different physicochemical treatments, viz. biotreatment and adsorption using kitchen-sink wastewater. Cross-flow microfiltration (CMF) studies were carried out with tubular ceramic membrane in single channel and multichannel configuration. Biotreatment was studied using activated sludge process and adsorptive treatments were studied using a biosorbent prepared from the dried roots of Eichhornia crassipes, an aquatic weed which is abundantly grown in polluted water. The study showed better performance of 19 channel ceramic membrane compared to the single channel membrane in terms of the permeate quality, viz. BOD, COD, turbidity, TSS etc., as well as, permeate flux. Microfiltration of the adsorbent treated feed appeared to be most promising in comparison with the other feeds wherein, about 98% removal of BOD and 99% removal of COD were obtained. The quality of the treated water was found to be fit for use in horticulture, irrigation, etc.