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Low-Cost wastewater treatment for nitrogen fertilizer industry-A case study
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The discharge of high concentrations of nitrogen compounds from industrial effluents, particularly those generated by fertilizer manufacturing plants, poses significant environmental challenges, including eutrophication. This study focuses on developing low-cost strategies for managing wastewater produced by nitrogenous fertilizer industries to mitigate their environmental impact and ensure compliance with pollution control regulations. In the initial phase, iron slag and charcoal were employed as primary treatment media, followed by the incorporation of natural clay as a cost-effective adsorbent to enhance the removal of nitrogen compounds over varying time intervals. Batch experiments were conducted to assess the effectiveness of different weight ratios of iron slag and charcoal mixed with natural clay in the removal of ammoniacal nitrogen. Key parameters examined included contact time, initial ammonium ion concentration, solution pH, and the quantity of adsorbent used.
The results demonstrated a significant removal efficiency for nitrates and nitrites using the low-cost treatment media of iron slag, charcoal, and natural clay. Specifically, nitrate concentrations were reduced to 26.72 mg/L with the iron slag and charcoal mixture and to 21.53 mg/L with natural clay. Similarly, nitrite concentrations decreased to 33.82 mg/L with iron slag and charcoal and to 33.01 mg/L with natural clay. These values are consistent with environmental standards stipulating that nitrogen compounds should not exceed 40 mg/L. Additionally, the use of natural aeration techniques effectively removed ammonia, achieving a concentration of 8.32 mg/L, which also aligns with applicable environmental regulations.
This case study highlights the potential of utilizing low-cost materials for the effective treatment of wastewater in the nitrogen fertilizer industry, providing a feasible approach to mitigate environmental impacts while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Keywords: Industrial wastewater, Nitrogen fertilizers,Treatment, Adsorption, Iron slag, Coal, Clay
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