High Gradient Magnetic Separation: A Potential Treatment for Food Processing Wastewater

ABSTRACT THE potential use of high gradient magnetic separa-tion (HGMS) for treating food processing wastewater was studied. First, soluble organic removal by a com-bined use of activated carbon adsorption and HGMS was investigated. Results of tests with known concentrations of soluble starch revealed that although adsorption of starch could be accomplished, the removal of activated carbon from the solution was not complete. Second, composite wastewater samples were treated magnetically and certain parameters such as color plus turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus and solids were monitored to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. In most cases, reductions in these para-meters after magnetic treatment were noted.