TREATMENT OF TEXTILE AND ELECTROPLATING WASTEWATER: IMPACT OF UV IRRADIATION AND ADSORPTION TECHNIQUESRenu Bala and Sunita RaniAbstract In the present study, wastewater collected from textile and electroplating industry situated in Ludhiana (Punjab), India was treated with novel techniques of adsorption using a natural and environmental friendly adsorbent dashmool (combination of 10 herbs) and UV irradiation. The initial levels of TDS, BOD and COD were found as 3000, 380 and 1200 mg/l in textile wastewater and 2100, 440 and 1440 in electroplating wastewater respectively. Adsorption process alone was able to reduce the levels of TDS, BOD and COD by 58.3 %, 28.9 % and 45.8 % respectively in the textile wastewater. These levels were reduced by 14.3%, 31.8% and 44.4% in electroplating waste water. The combined effect of adsorption and UV irradiation resulted in further decrease in the levels of TDS, BOD and COD, where final values of these parameters were found as 800, 30 and 150 mg/l in textile waste water. Similar trends were obtained in electroplating wastewater although variation was different. These techniques caused insignificant effect on pH values of the wastewater samples. Overall, the results clearly indicate that combined effect had a significant effect in reducing the levels of certain physico-chemical parameters causing pollution. Moreover the techniques are environmental friendly and have a greener approach. This combined technique can be helpful for the treatment of wastewater generated from other pollution causing industries. |