Process Optimization for Turbidity Removal from Paint Wastewater Using Bio-Coagulant

Authors

  • B.I. Okolo Department of Chemical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
  • P.C. Nnaji Department of Chemical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
  • M.C. Menkiti Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
  • O.D. Onukwuli Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

Keywords:

Coag-flocculation, okra pod powder, pollutants, optimization, response surface methodology

Abstract

Coag-flocculation process was used to treat paint wastewater with okra pod powder (OPP) as coagulant. The proximate analysis of the coagulant was carried out according to AOAC standard method. Percentage moisture, ash, fat, crude protein, crude fiber and carbohydrate content were determined for both coagulants. Jar test experiments were employed for the coag-flocculation process and response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the process. A box-Behnken design (BBD) of Design Expert 9.0.6 was used to evaluate the effects and interactions of coagulant dosage, pH and stirring time on the treatment efficiency. The optimal conditions obtained were coagulant dosage of 100.53mg/L, pH of 2.001 and stirring time of 24.47mins with 90.44% turbidity removal (desirability value of 1.0). This shows that the response surface methodological approach was appropriate for optimizing the coag-flocculation process in turbidity removal in paint wastewater.

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Published

2018-01-01

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2017): Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Section

Articles