Ferrate vs Traditional Coagulants in the Treatment of Combined Industrial Wastes

This study assesses the use of potassium ferrate in the joint treatment of combined domestic and industrial wastewaters. The main feature of this compound is its simultaneous oxidant-coagulant properties. A pilot plant for physicochemical treatment was utilized for tests with combined effluent. The removal of pollutants achieved at the pilot plant fulfills the standards of emission for liquid industrial effluents, established by regulatory agencies. A comparison was also made of the efficiency of pollutant removal between potassium ferrate, ferric chloride and aluminium sulphate for the above-mentioned combined wastewater. All coagulants are very effective in this physicochemical treatment, with an advantage for disinfection, smaller dose and sludge generation to ferrate treatment.