Electrochemical Oxidation and Ozonation for Textile Wastewater Reuse

Ozone and electrochemical oxidation treatment technologies were evaluated for wastewater recycling in the textile industry. Textile wastewater was collected from eight textile mills that use different dying processes. Both ozone and electrochemical oxidation removed the color from wastewater containing acid, reactive, and natural dyes, while mixed results were achieved with pigment and disperse dyes. The variability in color removal for the pigment and disperse dyes may be related to the concentration and type of auxiliary chemicals used. Color criteria for reusing wastewater for reactive dye was determined to be (delta) E<=2. This level of treatment provided an acceptable level of residual color for reuse in dark color dyeing operations and for rinse water. Some reformulation of the dye concentration and auxiliary chemicals is necessary for wastewater reuse in light color dyeing operations. Also, multiple reuse of the treated wastewater, as would occur in a completely closed system, would require changes in salt and other auxiliary chemicals to achieve the same fabric color as clean process water.