Wastewater treatment using adsorption process in column for agricultural purposes

Abstract

Water is essential for life, important for the ecosystem and it is in great demand due to its scarcity. This study explored the reuse of the wastewater of the Water Treatment Plant in Gramame for agricultural purposes. A qualitative and quantitative investigation of the effluent was carried out through the characterization of its physical and chemical parameters, comparing the results to what is allowed by the current legislation, CONAMA Resolution 357/2005. After this process, the activated charcoal of coco-da-baia mesocarp, adsorbent material, was prepared and tested in a filter system in a column with a continuous flow and ascendant entrance, in which the kinetic effect was evaluated. This technique was evaluated by correlating the reduced values in the adsorption material, respecting the initial effluent concentration, obtaining a reduction of 50% in the hardness, 87.5% in chloride and 66.6% in acidity. These results verified the adequacy of the technique in potential hydrogenation (pH) and abrupt reduction of color and turbidity. This treatment is suggested to qualify the effluent for use in agricultural, safe for humans and the environment. The adsorbent substrate efficiency was verified by correlating it with the Thomas isothermal model.