Cod removal of cardboard factory wastewater by upflow anaerobic filter

Abstract

Cardboard factories have generated organic contaminated wastewater according to their using of raw materials which included starch glue in process. Wastewater usually contains of pink color with high turbidity and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 1,300 – 1,600 mg/L which affected to environmental problem. In this studies, Upflow Anaerobic Filter reactors were developed to operate under anaerobic condition at standard temperature and pressure status (1 atm , 25 oC). Diameter and active height of reactor was 0.15 m and 1.2 m. Bio balls were introduced into the reactor which has specific surface area by 230 m2/m3. The reactors had effective volume of 19 liters. The operated conditions in this research were controlled at OLR 0.65 kgCOD/m3.d, HRT 48 hr. and OLR 1.3 kgCOD/m3.d , HRT 24 hr. Results showed the efficiency of COD removal that enhanced to 40.7 % and 47.4 %, for OLR 0.65 kgCOD/m3.d and OLR 1.3 kgCOD/m3.d respectively. Gas analysis by Shimazu GC-8A revealed that CH4 production from the operated conditions with OLR 0.65 kgCOD/m3.d and OLR 1.3 kgCOD/m3.d were 61.2 % and 62.4 % ,respectively. Consequently, biochemical methane potential (BMP) can be estimated to 0.09 LCH4/gCOD.d and 0.07 LCH4/gCOD.d , while pH 6.9 – 8.1 , VFA 80 - 650 mg/L and Alkalinity 38 – 65 mgCaCO3/L( without adjustment). Due to the regulations of Ministry of Industry and environmental friendly issue, the Upflow Anaerobic filter should be the primary wastewater treatment for cardboard factory wastewater.