Characterization and treatability studies of cigarette industry wastewaters: a case study

In this study, the wastewater of one of the cigarette factories in Izmir was characterized and treatability studies were done. The characterization studies of the wastewater showed that the COD, and the pH changes drastically. The chemical treatability studies of the influent wastewater were done by using Ca(OH)₂, FeCl₃ and Fenton Reagent. The optimum dose of FeCI₃ was determined by jar tests. When using Ca(OH)₂, the best flocculation, settling behaviour, and the highest COD removal occurred around pH 11. The optimum doses of Fenton Reagent (FeSO₄ and H₂O₂) were determined. The supernatants of the previously chemically treated wastewaters were used for biological treatment. According to total COD removal efficiencies and the amount of sludge production during chemical treatment, FeCl₃ was found to be the most economical and effective coagulant. Chemical treatment units were designed for a batch and a continuous system. The batch system has more advantages than a continuous system in this case.