DefinePK

Research Objective

To identify the characteristics of dairy industry wastewater and evaluate its treatment.

Methodology

The study involved laboratory analysis of wastewater samples from a confidential dairy industry. Various apparatus, equipment, and chemicals were used for experiments. Parameters measured included color, temperature, oil and grease, fat percentage, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, and pH. Standard methods and specific procedures for each parameter were followed, including using a BOD track, COD reactor, spectrophotometer, and pH meter.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Sample Collection from Dairy Industry] --> B[Laboratory Analysis of Wastewater];
    B --> C[Measurement of Parameters];
    C --> D[BOD Analysis];
    C --> E[COD Analysis];
    C --> F[TSS Analysis];
    C --> G[TDS Analysis];
    C --> H[Oil & Grease Analysis];
    C --> I[Fat Percentage Analysis];
    C --> J[pH Measurement];
    D --> K[Data Interpretation];
    E --> K;
    F --> K;
    G --> K;
    H --> K;
    I --> K;
    J --> K;
    K --> L[Comparison with Standards];
    L --> M[Conclusion and Recommendations];                    

Discussion

Dairy industry wastewater is characterized by high organic load, fat, oil, grease, and residues of additives. This leads to high BOD, COD, and TSS, which can cause environmental damage if discharged untreated. The study found that while treatment reduced these parameters, the treated wastewater still exceeded some standard values, particularly BOD, COD, and TSS. The high organic load negatively impacts aquatic and land life by reducing oxygen levels. Proper treatment is crucial to mitigate environmental damage.

Key Findings

- Untreated wastewater BOD values ranged from 738 mg/L to 831 mg/L, while treated wastewater ranged from 80 mg/L to 126 mg/L.
- Untreated wastewater COD values ranged from 739 mg/L to 839 mg/L, and treated wastewater ranged from 125 mg/L to 134 mg/L.
- Untreated wastewater TSS values ranged from 1038 mg/L to 1049 mg/L, and treated wastewater ranged from 193 mg/L to 214 mg/L.
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in untreated wastewater were between 992 mg/L and 1056 mg/L, and in treated water between 938 mg/L and 949 mg/L.
- Oil and grease values for untreated wastewater were between 936 mg/L and 944 mg/L, while for treated water they were between 83 mg/L and 94 mg/L.
- The pH of the wastewater was approximately 8.3.
- Fat content in untreated wastewater was about 1.5%, and in treated water about 0.5%.
- Values of BOD, COD, and TSS in treated wastewater were greater than standard values, while TDS values were less than standard values.

Conclusion

Dairy industry wastewater contains significant levels of fat, oil, grease, and other residues. The treatment process reduced these parameters, but the treated wastewater still contained levels of BOD, COD, and TSS that exceeded recommended standards. Further treatment is suggested to ensure safe discharge and prevent environmental pollution. The study provides data that can assist environmentalists and regulatory bodies in formulating policies for dairy industries.

Fact Check

- BOD values for untreated wastewater are reported in the range of 738 mg/L- 831 mg/L. This is confirmed by Table 5 and Figure 1.
- COD values for treated wastewater are reported in the range of 125 mg/L- 134 mg/L. This is confirmed by Table 5 and Figure 1.
- Fat percentage in treated wastewater is reported as approximately 0.5%. This is confirmed by Table 5 and Figure 1.

Mind Map