Comparative studies on removal of heavy metals from electroplating wastewater through soil aquifer treatment (SAT) in conjunction with adsorbents

Abstract

The study demonstrates the efficiency of the soil aquifer treatment (SAT) towards removal of heavy metals within electroplating wastewater thereby rendering it suitable for ground water discharge. The unique proposition of this research is to use a combination of soil and adsorbent properties to enhance the remediation of heavy metals such as nickel, copper and zinc. A comparative study through statistical analysis is employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the various SAT systems build using various combinations of SM and SC soil types along with bioadsorbents such as eucalyptus leaves, sawdust and Mosambi peel. Further, the mass balance analysis of heavy metals is carried out to comprehend the course of expulsion. The study, through a statistical approach, endorses that the SAT in conjunction with adsorbent gives much better removal efficiency than the SAT without adsorbent. Additional removal efficiency of 14% to 30% can be achieved with introduction of adsorbents within the SAT system. The optimal removal efficiency of nickel, copper and zinc was observed to be at 87, 98 and 93% respectively when passed through the combination of SM soil with sawdust.