Performance evaluation of an effluent treatment plant for a pulp & paper mill

Abstract

Monitoring and performance evaluation studies were carried out for an effluent treatment plant of a pulp and paper mill located in central part of India. The paper presents the characteristics of wastewater from different units of effluent treatment plant (ETP). Effluent samples from different locations of ETP area including combined treated effluent and river water samples were collected at monthly interval and analyzed for detailed physico-chemical and biological parameters for a period of ten months. The pH of raw as well as treated effluent indicates its neutral nature. The BOD, COD and suspended solids in treated effluents were reduced significantly, whereas very small reduction was observed in dissolved solids and chlorides in treated effluents in comparison to raw effluents. Most of the parameters of combined effluent were well within the permissible limits of Central Pollution Control Board, India. Recommendations were given to increase the efficiency of ETP.