Low Dosage Chemical Treatment for Improved Oxygenation of Pulp Mill Effluents

Abstract

Most pulp and paper mills use aerobic biological treatment for their effluents. Aeration is the single most energy intensive process of a treatment plant. Surfactants, commonly occurring in pulping wastewaters, have been shown to decrease the oxygen transfer rate. The aim of this study was to decrease the surface activity of surfactants and thereby increase the oxygen transfer rate in pulp mill effluents by the use of chemical pretreatment in very low doses. Trials using 5 g/m3 ferric iron showed statistically significant improvement on both kLa@2 and surface tension. No sludge was precipitated owing to the very low ferric iron dosage. The novel use of chemical pretreatment, in very low doses, aiming specifically at improving oxygen transfer rate, is a promising concept for reducing the need for aeration in wastewater treatment and thus lower the electricity requirement of the wastewater treatment plant.