Evaluation of the Increase in Initial Biodegradability of Domestic Wastewater with Industrial Pollutant Loads for its Treatability in Conventional Treatment Plants (Phase 2)

This project addresses the challenge of treating wastewater containing high levels of priority and refractory compounds, which exhibit toxicity and low treatability in conventional systems. The primary goal is to enhance the effluent's biodegradability by applying Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), specifically the Fenton method. The initial methodology involves physicochemical characterization of the wastewater, measuring key parameters such as BOD5, COD, TOC, pH, and turbidity. The Fenton process will be implemented by adjusting the wastewater pH to acidic values (between 2, 3, and 4) using sulfuric acid, to optimize the reaction between ferrous sulfate and hydrogen peroxide. The optimal reaction time will be established by measuring soluble COD and TOC every 20 minutes over two hours. Additionally, a preliminary coagulation process using ferric chloride is included, evaluated through jar tests, to select the most effective dose that complements the degradation of organic pollutants.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To improve the biodegradability conditions of wastewater by increasing the BOD5/COD ratio and decreasing the TOC, enabling this effluent to be treated in a conventional treatment system.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Solid waste and optimization of renewable energies