Performance Evaluation of Tamarindus Indica Seeds Powder in the Treatment of Dye Wastewater

Abstract

A large amount of dye wastewater is generated after the local dyeing process. It contains high concentrations of organic and inorganic contaminants. Furthermore, the composition of the wastewater varies according to the type and number of textiles and the water requirements of the process. Hence, its treatment before discharge is necessary to protect the environment. This study investigated the use and effectiveness of Tamarindus indica seeds powder from agricultural waste for removing some recalcitrant target compounds in the dye wastewater. A batch test was performed to examine the use of this adsorbent as a potential replacement for the advanced treatment methods. Varying adsorbent dosages determined the maximum adsorption capacity at 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 g and at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hr reaction times. The optimum dosage, reaction time and percentage removal of various parameters were found to be; Turbidity (no significant effect), TDS (40 g/l, 72 hrs, 54.42%), EC (35 g/l, 72 hrs, 4.46%), Phosphate (35 g/l, 24 hrs, 38.49 %), Total suspended solid (no significant effect), Nitrate (30 g/l, 96 hrs, 15.26%), COD (no considerable impact) and BOD (30 g/l, 48 hrs, 63.38%) respectively. The results showed that adsorption efficiency increased with decreased adsorbent dosage, even at different reaction times. Hence, low-cost adsorbents such as Tamarindus indica seeds can treat dye waste water to a certain level for safe disposal.