REMOVAL OF ORGANIC MATTER FROM DAIRY INDUSTRY WASTEWATER USING MICROWAVE RADIATION

Abstract

The dairy industry meets basic needs and has high production volumes. It cannot be ignored in terms of its potential for water pollution. Dairy industry wastewaters contain significant amounts of organic matter. Wastewater from the Pınar Milk Plant in Eskişehir Organized Industrial Zone was controlled by chemical oxygen demand, oil and grease, suspended solids and pH parameters. Microwave (MW) treatment involves a combination of MW irradiation, an adsorbent (as catalyst) and an oxidant.The effects of radiation power and time, and adsorbent and oxidant dosages on removal efficiency were investigated. Bentonite, limestone and pumice were used as adsorbents, with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The best organic matter removal (41.4%) was obtained with limestone, while 49% oil and grease removal was achieved with pumice. The best suspended solids removal (67%) was obtained with limestone.

Keywords

• dairy industry
• wastewater
• microwave treatment
• adsorbent