The University of North Texas Stream Research Facility (UNTSRF) was designed to examine contaminant impacts on effluent-dominated stream ecosystems. Stream mesocosms, fed municipal effluent from the City of Denton, TX, Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant (PCWRP), were treated with 0, 15 or 140 µg/L cadmium for a 10-day study in August 2000. Laboratory toxicity test and stream macroinvertebrate responses indicated that cadmium bioavailability was reduced by constituents of effluent-dominated streams. The Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) for Cd was used to predict a 48 hour Cd EC50 for Ceriodaphnia dubia of 280 µg/L in these effluent-dominated streams. This value is higher that an EC50 of 38.3 µg/L Cd and a 7-day reproduction effect level of 3.3 µg/L Cd generated for C. dubia in reconstituted laboratory hard water. These results support use of a cadmium BLM for establishing site-specific acute water quality criteria in effluent-dominated streams. Although not affected by 15 µg/L treatments, organisms accumulated Cd in 15 µg/L treated streams. Hence, over longer exposure periods, Cd accumulation may increase and a no effect level may be lower than the observed 10-day no effect level of 15 µg/L. A toxicity identification evaluation procedure was utilized with in vitro and in vivo bioassays to identify estrogenic compounds in PCWRP effluent, previously identified to seasonally induce vitellogenin (VTG) in male fathead minnows. Steroids, nonylphenol ethoxylate metabolites, and other unidentified compounds were identified as causative effluent estrogens. These findings suggest that in vivo VTG bioassays should be used to confirm in vitro Yeast Estrogen Screening assay activity when effluents are fractionated or screened for estrogenicity. A subsequent 90-day cadmium study was initiated to assess long-term effluent and cadmium effects on fish endocrine function. Juvenile fathead minnows were placed in UNTSRF pool sections of replicate streams treated with 0, 5, 20 or 80 µg/L Cd. Male VTG was induced at each treatment level, indicating that PCWRP effluent was estrogenic during fall 2001. 20 and 80 µg/L Cd treatments reduced male circulating estradiol levels and critical swimming performance. Future studies are needed to assess impacts of environmental estrogen exposure on fish calcium metabolism and vertebral integrity.

Vitellogenin in Pimephales promelas was used to assess estrogenicity of a local municipal effluent. Vitellogenin induction in male P. promelas increased in frequency and magnitude with increased exposure duration and was greater ("=0.05) than controls after 2 and 3 weeks of exposure. The level of vitellogenesis induced by effluent exposure was high compared to similar studies. A spring season evaluation followed. Biomarkers in P. promelas were used to assess the efficacy of a treatment wetland to remove toxicity and estrogenicity in final treated wastewater effluent. Comparisons were made with an effluent dominated stream and laboratory controls. Vitellogenin, GSIs (gonado-somatic indices), HSIs (hepato-somatic indices) and secondary sexual characteristics were biomarkers used in P. promelas models to assess aqueous estrogenicity. Biological indicators used to assess general fish health included hematocrit and condition factors. The estrogenic nature of the effluent was screened, concurrent with fish exposure, with GC/MS analysis for target estrogenic compounds including: 17-b estradiol, estrone, ethynylestradiol, Bisphenol A, nonylphenolic compounds, phthalates, and DDT. Plasma vitellogenin measured in P. promelas was significantly elevated (p < 0.0001) at the inflow site of the wetland and stream sites. GSIs for these exposures were less (a=0.001) at the wetland inflow site. At wetland sites closest to the inflow, secondary sexual charateristics, tubercle numbers and fat pad thickness, were less (a=0.0001). Hematocrit and condition factors were less (a=0.001) at sites closer to the wetland inflow. Seasonal variation was examined by repeating the effluent characterization in summer. Additionally, summer testing included exposure to an effluent dilution series. Fish condition heavily influenced interpretation of the results. Pre-acclimation exposure to spawning stresses may have altered many of the biological markers measured. Results are discussed relative to fish health and pre-exposure environment. Toxicity assessed with P. promelas biomarkers was compared with Ceriodaphnia dubia and Vibrio fischeri toxicty tests on this effluent. Biomarkers of fish health were somewhat less sensitive than C. dubia test endpoints, but more sensitive than V. fisheri.

L’électrocoagulation est une technique de traitement des eaux usées basée sur la dissolution d’anode sacrificielle de fer ou d’aluminium. Ces métaux se dissolvent sous formes de cations Fe2+ puis Fe3+ et Al3+ qui vont former des hydroxydes de métal qui entraînent par adsorption les impuretés de l’effluent en diminuant le potentiel Zêta de ces impuretés. Le réacteur électrochimique utilisé est constitué de deux électrodes métalliques (Fe ou Al) planes et parallèles qui laissent passer entre elles l’effluent à traiter. Des densités de courant de 50 à 200 A/m2 ont été appliquées pour traiter les trois effluents. L’un est un effluent directement issu d’une usine textile (effluent « usine »). Un second provient du flux d’entrée de la station d’épuration du site qui collecte les effluents de plusieurs usines (effluent « station »). Le troisième est un effluent artificiel de tannerie, créé en ajoutant 200 ppm de chrome VI à l’effluent « station ». Pour chaque expérience, la densité de courant et le temps de traitement vont déterminer la charge électrique et la concentration en métal dissous atteinte. L’influence de ces quatre paramètres sur l’élimination de la DCO, de l’absorbance, de la turbidité, du COT et du chrome hexavalent a été étudiée. L’évolution au cours du temps d’autres paramètres de l’EC tels que le pH, la tension, le rendement faradique et la dissolution métallique ont été étudiés afin de comprendre leur rôle dans le procédé. Le traitement a permis d’avoir un abattement maximal de DCO de 82% et 80% pour l’effluent « station » traité respectivement avec les électrodes de fer et d’aluminium ; 75 et 67% pour l’effluent « usine » traité respectivement avec les électrodes de fer et d’aluminium. L’abattement du chrome est de 100% avec les électrodes de fer mais tombe à 70% avec celles en aluminium. Des modèles d’élimination de la DCO et de l’absorbance ont été établis pour chaque matériau d’électrode utilisé. Le modèle d’élimination du chrome VI a été établi à partir du traitement avec les électrodes de fer. Une étude de la spéciation des espèces a permis de déterminer les pH optimaux de coagulation-floculation pour chaque métal impliqué (Al, Fe, Cr). La compétitivité entre l’abattement de la pollution organique et du Chrome a aussi été étudiée pour chaque type d’électrode / Electrocoagulation (EC) is a water treatment technology that relies on the electrochemical sacrificial anodes (in Fe or Al) dissolution. This metal dissolve themselves in Al3+ and Fe2+ cations that later oxidise to Fe3+ ions. These cations form metal hydroxides that adsorb the impurities of the effluent while decreasing the zeta potential. The electrochemical reactor used consists on two plane parallel metal electrodes with recirculation of the effluent to be treated between them. Current densities from 50 to 200 A/m2 were imposed to treat each effluent. Three effluents were used in this study. The first one is an effluent sampled at the outlet of a textile plant (« plant »). The second one is a mixture of several effluents coming from different plant and collected at the inlet of the wastewater treatment (« treatment plant »). The last one is a wastewater tannery plant simulated by addition of 200 ppm Chromium VI in the treatment plant effluent. For each experience the current density and the time of treatment rule the electrical charge and the concentration in dissolved metal reached. The influence of these four parameters on the elimination of COD, absorbance, turbidity, COT and hexavalent chromium content has been studied. Parameters e.g. potential, faradic yield, metal dissolution and pH have also been continuously monitored to better understand their role on EC process. The results show that DCO abatement reached 80 and 82% for treatment plant effluent, respectively with iron and aluminium electrodes; and 75 and 67% for plant effluent, respectively with iron and aluminium electrodes. The chromium treatment yields 100 % abatement with Fe electrodes whereas it is only 70% using Al electrodes. Models have been developed for COD and absorbance removal for the two electrode materials. Model for chromium (VI) treatment has been established considering all reactions occurring for iron EC. Metal speciation study allowed us to determine the optimal pH of coagulation –flocculation for each metal involved in the treatment (Al, Fe, Cr). Competition between organic pollution removal and chromium elimination has been also investigated for each electrode material

Wastewater treatment is traditionally considered a separate part of an industrial activity, hardly connected to the production units themselves. It is nowadays essential to ensure that the quality of water is not degraded and that water that has been polluted is purified to acceptable levels, especially in a country with scarce water resources such as South Africa. Where water quality is concerned, Zero Effluent Discharge (ZED) is the ultimate goal, in order to avoid any releases of contaminants to the water environment. The push towards ZED in South Africa is also promoted further by the South African Government’s plan to reduce freshwater usage and the pollution of water sources due to the water scarcity in a semi-arid South Africa. Future legislation will see a marked increase in the cost of freshwater usage and/or a possible limitation of the quantity of freshwater available. There is a need in the South African Industry for a framework of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in order to provide interested stakeholders, which include not only industry, but also academia, environmental interest groups and members of the public, with a procedure to meet the ZED statutory requirements. This dissertation explores the regulatory requirements and current environmental management practices implemented. A framework of BMPs to successfully attain ZED status in South African industries is developed from the literature study and the researcher’s own experience. The BMP framework embodies practices for one integrated strategy within three dimensions. The three dimensions of the BMP framework were selected to differentiate between BMPs for management (Governance BMPs), the project management team responsible for ZED projects (Project Management BMPs) and the implementation of preventative and operational measures to obtain and sustain ZED compliance for South African industries. The BMP framework was validated against the practices applied by Mittal Steel. The Mittal Steel plant in Vanderbijlpark implemented various projects, reduced the intake of water and eliminated the discharge of effluent and by doing this successfully realised their ZED status. The BMP framework will enable South African industries to develop their own BMPs Manual which should be specific to their operational and environmental requirements. The implementation of these BMPs should be tailored and used accordingly to demonstrate compliance to ZED requirements in South African industries. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Development and Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Wastewater treatment is traditionally considered a separate part of an industrial activity, hardly connected to the production units themselves. It is nowadays essential to ensure that the quality of water is not degraded and that water that has been polluted is purified to acceptable levels, especially in a country with scarce water resources such as South Africa. Where water quality is concerned, Zero Effluent Discharge (ZED) is the ultimate goal, in order to avoid any releases of contaminants to the water environment. The push towards ZED in South Africa is also promoted further by the South African Government’s plan to reduce freshwater usage and the pollution of water sources due to the water scarcity in a semi-arid South Africa. Future legislation will see a marked increase in the cost of freshwater usage and/or a possible limitation of the quantity of freshwater available. There is a need in the South African Industry for a framework of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in order to provide interested stakeholders, which include not only industry, but also academia, environmental interest groups and members of the public, with a procedure to meet the ZED statutory requirements. This dissertation explores the regulatory requirements and current environmental management practices implemented. A framework of BMPs to successfully attain ZED status in South African industries is developed from the literature study and the researcher’s own experience. The BMP framework embodies practices for one integrated strategy within three dimensions. The three dimensions of the BMP framework were selected to differentiate between BMPs for management (Governance BMPs), the project management team responsible for ZED projects (Project Management BMPs) and the implementation of preventative and operational measures to obtain and sustain ZED compliance for South African industries. The BMP framework was validated against the practices applied by Mittal Steel. The Mittal Steel plant in Vanderbijlpark implemented various projects, reduced the intake of water and eliminated the discharge of effluent and by doing this successfully realised their ZED status. The BMP framework will enable South African industries to develop their own BMPs Manual which should be specific to their operational and environmental requirements. The implementation of these BMPs should be tailored and used accordingly to demonstrate compliance to ZED requirements in South African industries. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Development and Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

L’objectif de la thèse est d’évaluer la faisabilité de la technologie de pile à combustible microbienne pour la production d’électricité couplée au traitement d’effluents de l’industrie papetière. La première partie du travail montre que de nombreux effluents papetiers permettent de former des biofilms anodiques efficaces. Lorsque les effluents sont complémentés en acétate et l’anode polarisée à -0,3V/ECS des densités de courant de 12 A/m² et des rendements faradiques de 90% ont été obtenus. Lorsque les effluents sont utilisés comme seuls substrats, les densités de courant atteignent 6 A/m² et les rendements faradiques 30%, avec des abattements de DCO jusqu’à 50%. Les biofilms anodiques optimaux ont été associées à des cathodes à air abiotiques pour concevoir des piles complètes. Des puissances surfaciques de 294 mW/m² à 596 mW/m² ont été obtenues avec deux effluents différents. / The objective of this thesis was to assess the feasibility of the microbial fuel cell technology for the production of electrical energy coupled with the treatment of pulp and paper effluents. The first part of work showed that various pulp and paper effluents are suitable to form efficient anodic biofilms. When the effluent was supplemented with acetate and the anode polarized between at -0.3 V/SCE, current densities of 12 A/m² and Coulombic efficiencies up to 90% were obtained. When effluents were provided as the sole substrate, current densities reached 6 A/m² and Coulombic efficiencies 30%, with COD removal around 50%. The optimal anodic biofilms were associated with associated with abiotic air cathodes to design complete microbial fuel cells. Power densities from 294 mW/m² to 596 mW/m² were obtained with two different effluents.

Fish farming is an important process of food production that seeks to meet the population growth, however is a source of pollution generating large volumes of contaminated water, causing environmental pollution. In order to minimize this impact, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of two advanced oxidative techniques to treat real effluent from fish farming, the Fenton reaction and electrochemistry. Treatments were carry out on a pilot scale (60L) and laboratory scale (250 mL). The efficiency of the reactions was assessed by the reduction of turbidity and COD of the effluent, as well as the toxicity of the effluent after treatment in germination lettuce (Lactura sativa) and mortality and sensory performance of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). For the Fenton reaction, it assessed the influence of the concentration of Fenton reagent (Fe2+ and H2O2), and the electrochemical process evaluated the applied current density and the supporting electrolyte (Na2SO4, H2SO4 and NaCl). According to the results of the physicochemical analyzes, both technologies were also effective in the treatment of this effluent, with reductions of 99% and 95% of the turbidity and COD respectively, for the Fenton reaction followed by flocculation; and 95% to 89% in turbidity and COD respectively, for the electrochemical process. In the electrochemical process the efficiency was associated with direct and indirect oxidation of pollutants and flotation of the particulate material through electrogenerated gas. In toxicological test of Fenton reagent with lettuce seeds, the Fe2+ concentrations showed no toxicity, since the H2O2 concentrations indicated high toxicity. Tests with Nile tilapia corroborate the results of lettuce seeds. After the treatment with Fenton's reaction effluent treated with 10 mmol of H2O2 L-1 and 0.5 mmol Fe2+ had the same germination and root growth rates of the raw wastewater, as in the tests with Nile tilapia effluent showed considerable toxicity, possibly due to residual peroxide. In the electrochemical process the best results were obtained when employed the H2SO4 as supporting electrolyte and the lowest current density (10 mA cm-2). The toxicology tests with lettuce and Nile tilapia indicated that the treated effluent has low toxicity with germination rate and lettuce radicle growth equal to control, and Nile tilapia the mortality rate was zero, even after 96 hours of fish contact with the treated effluent. The techniques applied in this study showed high efficiency in the treatment of real effluent from fish farming, making it adequate for disposal or reutilization. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A piscicultura é um importante processo de produção de alimentos que busca atender o crescimento populacional, porém pode ser uma fonte poluidora, gerando grandes volumes de água contaminada, causando poluição ambiental. Visando minimizar esse impacto, esse trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência de dois processos oxidativas avançadas no tratamento de efluente real gerado pela piscicultura, a reação de Fenton e a eletroquímica. Os tratamentos foram realizados em escalas, piloto (60 L) e de bancada (250 mL). A eficiência das reações foi avaliada pela redução da turbidez e DQO (Demanda Química de Oxigênio) do efluente, bem como a toxicidade do efluente após o tratamento frente à germinação da alface (Lactura sativa) e mortandade e comportamento sensorial da tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Para a reação de Fenton, avaliou-se a influência da concentração dos seus reagentes (Fe2+ e H2O2), e para o processo eletroquímico avaliou-se a densidade de corrente aplicada e o eletrólito suporte (Na2SO4, H2SO4 e NaCl). De acordo com os resultados das análises físico-químicas, os dois processos apresentaram alta eficiência no tratamento deste efluente, com reduções de 99% (turbidez) e 95% (DQO), para a reação de Fenton seguida de floculação, e para o processo eletroquímico as reduções foram de 95% (turbidez) e 89% (DQO). No processo eletroquímico a eficiência foi associada à oxidação direta e indireta dos poluentes e flotação do material particulado através dos gases eletrogerados. Nos ensaios toxicológicos dos reagentes de Fenton com sementes da alface, as concentrações de Fe+2 não apresentaram toxicidade, já as concentrações de H2O2 indicaram elevado grau toxicológico. Os ensaios com tilápia do Nilo corroboraram com os resultados das sementes da alface. Após o tratamento com reação de Fenton o efluente tratado com 10 mmol L-1 de H2O2 e 0,5 mmol de Fe2+ apresentou os mesmos índices de germinação e crescimento da radícula do efluente bruto, já nos testes com tilápia do Nilo o efluente apresentou considerável toxicidade, possivelmente devido a peróxido residual. No processo eletroquímico os melhores resultados foram obtidos quando empregado H2SO4 como eletrólito suporte e a menor densidade de corrente (10 mA cm-2). Os testes toxicológicos com alface e tilápia do Nilo indicaram que o efluente tratado apresenta baixa toxicidade com índice de germinação e de crescimento da radícula da alface igual a do controle, e com tilápia do Nilo o índice de mortandade foi nulo, mesmo após 96h de contato dos peixes com o efluente tratado. As técnicas aplicadas neste estudo apresentaram alta eficácia no tratamento do efluente real da piscicultura, tornando-o adequado para descarte ou mesmo reutilizado em sistema de ciclo fechado.

Dans le cadre de la recherche de nouvelles solutions pour le traitement des effluents radioactifs, la stratégie dite « séparation – conditionnement » qui consiste à mettre en oeuvre un support poreux fonctionnalisé pour la sorption des radionucléides, qui pourrait également être un matériau précurseur pour l’élaboration d’une matrice de conditionnement, est une alternative qui présente des perspectives intéressantes. Dans ce contexte, la silice mésoporeuse est un matériau qui présente plusieurs atouts : une grande surface spécifique fonctionnalisable, une élaboration à basse température et enfin, la possibilité de confiner le radionucléide par fermeture de la porosité via l’application d’une contrainte chimique, mécanique, thermique… Au cours de ces différentes étapes, du fait de la présence de radionucléides, la structure mésoporeuse serait soumise à l’auto-irradiation, c’est pourquoi il est important de connaitre l’évolution d’une telle structure dans ces conditions.L’objectif de cette thèse était donc de comparer les comportements de différentes silices mésoporeuses sous des conditions d’irradiations variées qui donnent lieu à deux effets principaux, l’effet balistique (nucléaire) et l’effet inélastique (électronique). Pour atteindre cet objectif, les irradiations externes par des ions lourds ont été utilisées pour simuler les processus d’auto-irradiation. Les techniques de caractérisation post-irradiation (réflectivité des rayons-X, adsorption gazeuse) ont été mises en œuvre. Une compaction totale de la structure mésoporeuse a été observée en régime balistique pour une dose d’environ ~1025 eV/cm3 (~10 dpa). Lors des irradiations en régime électronique, les ions présentant un pouvoir d’arrêt inférieur à 1keV/nm n’ont pas d’effet important sur l’évolution de la structure mésoporeuse, seuls les ions présentant un pouvoir d’arrêt élevé (Ni-638 MeV, dE/dx~5 keV/nm), supérieur au seuil de formation des traces dans la silice thermique, induisent une densification de la structure. Jusqu’à une dose Eélec.=1025 eV/cm3 le phénomène de saturation n’a pas été observé. Aucune différence importante n’a été observée entre les différentes silices mésoporeuses étudiées. Ces résultats indiquent une bonne résistance de ces structures aux dommages créés par l’irradiation.L’origine de ces comportements n’a pas été clairement établie. Les effets purement thermiques des irradiations ne peuvent pas être invoqués car une étude comparative a montré les processus de densification étaient totalement différents. Une approche de modélisation par Dynamique Moléculaire classique a permis de reproduire avec succès l’effondrement des mésopores, ce qui apporte un début d’explication dans le cas de l’endommagement en régime balistique. En régime électronique, les résultats obtenus sont cohérents avec les résultats bibliographiques. / In the search of new solutions to treat radioactive effluent, the so-called “separation-conditioning” strategy, which consists of implementing a functionalized porous matrix for the radionuclide adsorption, is an interesting alternative way. Such porous matrix could even act as a long term conditioning matrix in the second step. For this purpose, mesoporous silica presents several advantages like enormous fonctionalisable surface, possibility to prepare at low temperature and pore closure which favors long term conditioning. During its working process and with the presence of radionuclide, the mesoporous structure will be exposed to self-irradiation. This is why it’s important to know the structure evolution under such conditions.The objective of this thesis is to compare different mesoporous structures under various irradiation conditions which induce two major effects, the ballistic (nuclear) effect and the inelastic (electronic) effect. In order to achieve these objectives and thanks to their several advantages, external irradiations with heavy ions were used to simulate self-irradiation processes. Adapted post-irradiation characterizations, like X-ray reflectivity and gas adsorption, were carried out. In the ballistic regime, a total compaction due to mesopore collapse is observed at a dose about ~1025 eV/cm3 (~10 dpa). In the electronic regime, ions of stopping power inferior to 1keV/nm do not present obvious effect on the mesoporous structure evolution. Only the Ni-638 MeV with stopping power ~5 keV/nm shows significant collapse effect but no total compaction was observed until the maximum studied dose about Eelec.=1025 eV/cm3. These results indicate a good resistance of these structures against irradiation damage.The origin of these structural behaviors has not been clearly understood. Thermal effect, considered as secondary irradiation effect, cannot be referred to because a comparative study showed completely different densification process. Additionally, a trial with classic Molecular Dynamics modelling for purely ballistic effects was undertaken. It allows to successfully reproduced mesopore collapse and to set foot on the explanation in case of ballistic regime. In the electronic regime, the results are compatible with literatures.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T18:08:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Thyara Campos Martins.pdf: 1837547 bytes, checksum: 733e952ccfb67393e6688fdf9fec96e7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-14 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of Fenton-like process using steel wool trade as a source of metallic iron and ferrous ions in the treatment of textile effluent. Preliminary experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the Fenton-like degradation and mineralization of organic and inorganic pollutants. The experiments were conducted in laboratory scale reactors. The operational parameters of the reactor: H2O2 molar concentration of reactants and Fe0 were optimized based on the values of total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity and discoloration from an experimental design Delineation Central Composite Rotational (DCCR) 22 quadruplicate with the center point and another 4 axial points. Obtained good representation of the experimental data verified by analysis of variance. The efficiency of the processes used in the treatment of textile effluent was evaluated based on the parameters: decreased levels of TOC, COD, color and turbidity, as well as analysis of the behavior of the concentrations of sulfate, nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, dissolved iron, ammonia and organic nitrogen and reduced absorbance in the lengths where 320 and 600 nm. The molar ratio of the highest efficiency for conventional Fenton process was 1:0,9:27,5 to their COT:Fe2+:H2O2. Under these conditions, the process decreased by 91.06% of the TOC parameter, whereas the COD was reduced by 94.51%, 99.02% of discoloration and 99.88% of reduced turbidity. The Fenton-like process showed greater reductions of the parameters studied when subjected to 1:1,7:27,5 molar ratio of the respective TOC:Fe0:H2O2; these conditions the process showed 92.88% reduction of TOC, 93.91% reduction of COD, 98.11% of discoloration and 98.87% reducing turbidity. Both procedures showed these results to a reaction time of 720 minutes. Using the continuous flow system for the FL and FC process, the system allowed an efficient degradation of the effluent at retention times of about 720 minutes. The processes presented similar efficiencies, which demonstrates that the Fenton-like process is an effective alternative for the treatment of textile effluents. Confirming the ability of steel wool as the source of metallic iron, capable of use in oxidation processes of degradation. / O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o desempenho do processo Fenton-like, utilizando lã de aço comercial como fonte de ferro metálico e íons ferrosos, no tratamento de efluente têxtil. Foram realizados experimentos preliminares para avaliar a eficiência do processo Fenton-like na mineralização e degradação dos poluentes orgânicos e inorgânicos. Os experimentos foram realizados em reatores de escala laboratorial. Os parâmetros operacionais dos reatores: concentração molar dos reagentes H2O2 e Fe0, foram otimizados baseados nos valores do carbono orgânico total (COT), demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), descoloração e turbidez a partir de um planejamento experimental Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR) 22 com quadruplicata no ponto central e mais 4 pontos axiais. Obteve-se boa representação dos dados experimentais verificada pela análise de variância. A eficiência dos processos aplicados no tratamento do efluente têxtil foi avaliada baseada pelos parâmetros: redução dos valores do COT, DQO, cor e turbidez, além da análise do comportamento das concentrações de sulfato, nitrato, peróxido de hidrogênio, ferro dissolvido, nitrogênio orgânico e amoniacal e redução da absorvância nos comprimentos de onde de 320 e 600 nm. A razão molar que apresentou maior eficiência para o processo Fenton Convencional foi de 1:0,9:27,5 respectiva ao COT:Fe2+:H2O2. Nessas condições, o processo apresentou redução de 91,06% do parâmetro COT, enquanto que a DQO apresentou redução de 94,51%, 99,02% de descoloração e 99,88% de redução da turbidez. O processo Fenton-like apresentou maiores reduções dos parâmetros estudados, quando submetido à razão molar de 1:1,7:27,5 respectivo ao COT:Fe0:H2O2; nessas condições o processo apresentou 92,88% de redução do COT, 93,91% de redução de DQO, 98,11% de descoloração e 98,87% de redução de turbidez. Ambos os processos apresentaram estes resultados para um tempo de reação de 720 minutos. Utilizando o sistema de fluxo contínuo para os processos FC e FL, o sistema permitiu uma eficiente degradação do efluente, em tempos de retenção da ordem de 720 minutos. Os processos apresentaram eficiências similares, o que demonstra que o processo Fenton-like é uma alternativa eficiente no tratamento de efluente têxtil. Atestando a capacidade da lã de aço como fonte de ferro metálico, passível de utilização em processos oxidativos de degradação.

The production of final effluents that meet discharged requirements and guidelines remain a major challenge particularly in the developing world with the resultant problem of surface water pollution. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of two wastewater treatment works in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in terms of the prevalence of faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli O157:H7 over a five month period. All physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out using standard methods. Data were collected in triplicates and analysed statistically using IBM SPSS version 20.0. The ranges of some of the physicochemical parameters that complied with set guidelines include pH (6.7 – 7.6), TDS (107 – 171 mg/L), EC (168 – 266 μS/cm), Temperature (15 – 24oC), NO3- (0 – 8.2 mg/L), NO2- (0.14 – 0.71 mg/L) and PO4 (1.05 – 4.50 mg/L). Others including Turbidity (2.64 – 58.00 NTU), Free Cl (0.13 – 0.65 mg/L), DO (2.20 – 8.48 mg/L), BOD (0.13 – 6.85 mg/L) and COD (40 – 482 mg/L) did not comply with set guidelines. The microbiological parameters ranged 0 – 2.7 × 104 CFU/100 ml for FC and 0 – 9.3 × 103 for EHEC CFU/100 ml, an indication of non-compliance with set guidelines. Preliminary identification of 40 randomly selected presumptive enterohemorrhagic E. coli isolates by Gram’s staining and oxidase test shows 100% (all 40 selected isolates) to be Gram positive while 90% (36 randomly selected isolates) were oxidase negative. Statistical correlation between the physicochemical and the microbiological parameters were generally weak except in the case of free chlorine and DO where they showed inverse correlation with the microbiological parameters. The recovery of EHEC showed the inefficiency of the treatment processes to effectively inactivate the bacteria, and possibly other pathogenic bacteria that may be present in the treated wastewater. The assessment suggested the need for proper monitoring and a review of the treatment procedures used at these treatment works.