Electrochemical treatment of cigarette industry wastewater: feasibility study

The electrochemical treatability of wastewater from the cigarette industry has been investigated in this paper using cast iron electrode. The treatment efficiency was monitored in terms of COD, BOD and suspended solids concentration. The cast iron anode was found effective in treatment of the above-mentioned wastewater. About 56% of COD and 84% of BOD removal was observed at 3.5 A current for 5 h of electrolysis. The effect of increase in surface area of anode reduces electrolysis time and also energy consumption per kg of COD removal. The treated effluent was subjected to chemical coagulation studies using Ca(OH)2 as coagulant. The final treated effluent was found to confirm the stipulated standards for safe disposal into surface water bodies (Indian Standards). It was concluded that the electrochemical treatment followed by chemical coagulation could be opted as an alternate treatment scheme for the present industry.