SEAWATER IN TREATMENT OF WASTE WATERS

ABSTRACT

Hypochlorite which is generated electrolytically from seawater under optimized conditions was evaluated for its (i) bacterial sensitivity to Escherichia coli in comparison to commercial bleaches and (ii) utilization in the treatment of sanitary effluent. Effective bacterial growth inhibition occurs using the hypochlorite containing seawater. Waste water samples from sewage treatment plant, from two sampling points, i.e., one after primary treatment (Sample 1) and the second prior to the discharge of the effluent into the river (Sample 2) were analyzed. Sample 1 was subjected to the hypochlorite treatment and Sample 2 was used to assess the treatment work's efficiency. Quality parameters namely Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Solids (DS), Suspended Solids (SS) were monitored at each sampling point. The addition of hypochlorite to sample at point 1 lowered the BOD and COD levels and improved the water quality.

Keywords:

• Seawater
• Water pollution
• Waste water treatment
• Hypochlorite

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Authors thank the National Research Foundation, Pretoria, and the University of Durban-Westville for the financial support.