Characterization of Cosmetics Industry Wastewater and Treatment by Coagulation-Flocculation Process

Abstract

The use of a wide variety of raw materials in the production of cosmetic products and the variability of the process during the production phase significantly affect wastewater characterization. Cosmetic industry wastewater contains low biodegradable components and may contain various pollutants such as ammonia, oil and grease, phosphorus and heavy metals. Heavy metals that can be found in the cosmetics industry cause cancer, neurological diseases, genetic mutations, hair loss and birth defects. In this study, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), Suspended Solids (MLSS), Cu, Zn, colour and Orthophosphate (PO4-P) parameters were monitored in Gebze Organised Industrial Zone real cosmetics industry wastewater and their compliance with sewage discharge criteria was investigated. Pollutant removal was investigated by coagulation-flocculation process and removal efficiencies were found as COD: 75%; Cu: 92%; Zn: 94%; Colour: 84%; TN: 99%; TP: 91%; PO4-P: 92%. Different treatment alternatives should be investigated in order to realise the COD removal obtained as a result of the study more effectively. In order to protect the environment and human health, it will be important to increase the studies on the determination and removal of heavy metals by characterising the real cosmetics industry wastewater.