Application of alternated anaerobic fixed bed reactor “AAFBR” for the treatment of saline wastewater

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to provide a simple, efficient and economic system for saline wastewater treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

Industrial auditing was conducted to determine the water usage and wastewater characteristics during the manufacturing processes of pickling vegetables. In‐plant control measures were carried out prior to the end‐off‐pipe treatment. The treatment process was a simple pilot scale using two compartments alternated anaerobic fixed bed reactors (AAFBR).

Findings

The study indicated that applying the in‐plant control measures prior to final treatment of wastewater reduced the organic load and total suspended solids by almost 50 per cent. Post treatment of the end‐off‐pipe reduced the chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and dissolved salts by 84.2 per cent, 71 per cent and 52.4 per cent, respectively.

Originality/value

The proposed scheme was already implemented. The treated effluent from the factory was complying with the National regulatory standards for wastewater discharge into the public sewage network.

Citation

Abou‐Elela, S.I., Abdel‐Halim, H.S. and Ibrahim, H.S. (2007), "Application of alternated anaerobic fixed bed reactor “AAFBR” for the treatment of saline wastewater", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 13-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830710717686