Physicochemical optimization of granular sludge formation in rubber industrial wastewater

Abstract

Aerobic granular sludge technology is a novel and promising development in the field of biological wastewater treatment where it develops granulated sludge without any additional of supporting carrier material. The use of aerobic granules in wastewater treatment can reduce the land area that is needed for the treatment of wastewater. Different strategies for the enhancement of granulation have been done, which is modifying the cycle time of the reactors that consist of feeding, reaction (aeration), settling, decanting and idle. Self immobilized granular sludge has high settling velocity and contribute to high efficiency of solid-liquid separation in wastewater. Aerobic granules were developed in two identical sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) with different strategies for the enhancement of granulation. The characteristic of the microbial granular sludge were monitored throughout the study period. The results demonstrated good removal of COD and ammonia of 90% and 98%, respectively at the end of the study. Findings of this study show that granular sludge could be developed in rubber industry wastewater particularly rubber glove manufacturing wastewater and is capable in treating the wastewater.