Abstract

Conventional physicochemical processes for removing heavy metals from industrial effluents are high in chemical usage and produce large amounts of chemical sludges, which in turn needs secured disposal. Biological processes to overcome these problems have been developed for treating wastewaters containing heavy metals. The bioremoval and biorecovery of zinc ions from rubber glove mill effluent on a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) was studied. Without adding any precipitant, the processes could achieve Zn and COD removal of 40-60% and 50-70% respectively. In order to recover the metal, the sludge was digested in an anaerobic digestion reactor. This study revealed that anaerobic digestion with longer hydraulic retention time could increase the recovery of heavy metals. This recovery prevents metal discharge to the environment and conserves resources.

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