Commercial Laundry Water Characterisation

Abstract

Surfactants are the major active ingredients of laundry detergents. Therefore, special attention should be focused on the treatment and disposal of laundry wastewater. The aim of this study was to characterise the wastewater from a commercial laundry over 30 days. Physicochemical analyses were performed, monitoring the content of nitrogen, phosphate, heavy metals, linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS), volatile organic acids and alcohols. The pH was approximately 5.6 and the COD approximately 4800 mg•L −1. The average concentrations of sulphate, sulphide, N-ammoniacal organic nitrogen compounds and heavy metals were below the maximum limit, in accordance with local and national environmental legislation, and the average total suspended solids was 0.08 g•L −1. Among the metals analysed, iron was observed with the highest concentrations (0.037 mg•L −1 and 0.72 mg•L −1). Phosphate was detected in 93% of samples (94.65 mg•L −1 average). LAS was detected in all samples (12.24 mg•L −1 to 1023.7 mg•L −1). Thirty-three different xenobiotic organic compounds were identified in the laundry wastewater with the qualitative screening. The major groups of the compounds were fragrances, preservatives, solvents and some surfactants. Although the characterisation indicated low values for many parameters, this does not eliminate the need for specific treatment before its disposal at the sewage system.

Efficiency ofMoringa oleiferaSeeds for Treatment of Laundry Wastewater

“…aesthetic losses due to the foam which can also cause adverse effects on ecosystems and biodiversity [1,2]. Detergents compounds in the laundry wastewater are biodegradable compounds and they have a short persistence time in the environment.…”

The comparative advantages of ethanol and sucrose as co-substrates in the degradation of an anionic surfactant: microbial community selection

“…In addition, the optimization of strategies for removing LAS from laundry wastewater warrants research attention. This type of wastewater has one of the highest concentrations of LAS, reaching 1024 mg L -1 [3].…”

Domestic Wastewater in Indonesia: Challenge in the Future Related to Nitrogen Content

“…Surfactants may be toxic to the organism in soil or water (4). A study from Braga and Varesche (4) showed that LAS concentration in specific laundry wastewater is 163.65 mg/L. LAS concentration contributes to the presence of phosphorus.…”

“…In another side, the investment by local government in sanitation service or infrastructure remains low, including wastewater treatment provision (3,4). Even today, domestic wastewater is still disposed to drainage, river, or lake without proper treatment before (4). Some of the problems caused by wastewater, such as eutrophication, increasing treatment cost, decreasing the recreational value of water, health risks to humans and livestock, loss of oxygen and undesirable changes in the aquatic ecosystem.…”

“…Wastewater treatment is one of indicator that really related to sanitation development in the community because poor sanitation affects public health and environment. In another side, the investment by local government in sanitation service or infrastructure remains low, including wastewater treatment provision (3,4). Even today, domestic wastewater is still disposed to drainage, river, or lake without proper treatment before (4).…”