Evaluation of Wastewater Treatments from the Dairy Industry Using Advanced Oxidation Methods

This project addresses the treatment of effluents from the dairy industry in Ecuador, characterized by high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) due to the presence of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. Direct discharge of these pollutants severely compromises water bodies by reducing Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and negatively impacting biological treatment processes. The main objective is to evaluate the efficiency of a pretreatment using heterogeneous advanced oxidation methods, specifically the Fenton process and ozonation, to generate hydroxyl radicals capable of oxidizing organic compounds. The methodology involves initial characterization of parameters such as BOD5, COD, TOC, pH, and turbidity. For the Fenton process, the pH will be adjusted to acidic values (2, 3, and 4) using sulfuric acid, and the iron/hydrogen peroxide ratio will be optimized by measuring COD and soluble TOC degradation over time. Additionally, coagulation using ferric chloride will be evaluated, and three ozone concentrations (7, 14, 21 mg/L) will be tested to establish the most efficient operating conditions for pollutant load reduction.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To determine the optimal degradation rates of advanced oxidation methods (Fenton and ozonation) applied as a pretreatment for dairy industry wastewater, aiming to reduce its high organic load.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Prevention and control of pollution of natural resources