GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC PEN

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

A capstone project on

“Industrial Waste Water Treatment By Using Alum”

Submitted by

Name of Students Roll No. Enrollment no.

Rohan Hiraji Patil 3228 2201290094

Sharvin Chandrakant 3233 2201290100

Pitnaik

Aayush Naresh Vartak 3239 2201290107

Ravit Rajesh Mhatre 3249 2201290079

Guided by

Mr. M. B. Sawarkar

1
 __________________________________________________________

GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC PEN DIST. RAIGAD

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
______________________________________________________ 1

VISION

To develop proficient diploma chemical engineers through equipped laboratories and

industry engagement to meet the challenges of Chemical Industries.

MISSION

To prepare students with professional and social attitude for industrial employment,
entrepreneurship and higher education.
To develop soft skills, leadership qualities and problem solving abilities in students to
serve.
To provide competent diploma chemical engineers to meet current and future industrial
and environmental challenges.
To create awareness about the needs of Chemical industries through the Alumni and
Industry-Institute interactions.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC OUTCOMES (PSO’S)

Student will be able to

PSO1: Chemical engineering equipment: Operate equipment and materials effectively
and efficiently used in chemical reactions.

PSO2: Material management and Quality control: Manage chemicals and equipment to
produce quality chemical products.

2
 GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC PEN
Diploma In Chemical Engineering
Capstone Project Report
Academic Year 2024-25

Certificate
This is to certify that Mr.Sharvin Chandrakant Pitnaik From government polytechnic
pen (institute) having Enrolment No: 2201290100 has completed Project Planning Report
having title Industrial Waste Water Treatment By Using Alum individually in a group
consisting of 5 Candidates under the guidance of the Mr. M. B. Sawarkar Faculty Guide.

Mr. M. B. Sawarkar. Mr. M. B. Sawarkar.

Signature of Guide. Name & Signature of HOD:

3
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I Would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Capstone project coordinator who have
given their valuable time and gave us a chance to learn something despite having their busy
schedule andMr. M. B. Sawarkar (Lecturer in chemical Engineering G.P. Pen) for his great
guidelines for internship. I am also thankful to Mr. M. B. Sawarkar (HOD chemical
Engineering, G.P. Pen) for his precious time and other staff member for their co-operative
support, and also preserving with an opportunity for me to have a practical experience. I would
also like to acknowledge with much appreciation the crucial role of the staff in computer
laboratory, who gives me permission to use lab equipment and also the machine and to design
the drawing and giving the permission to use all necessary tools in the laboratory Deepest
thanks and appreciation to my parents, family, special mate of mine, and others for their
cooperation, encouragement, constructive suggestion and full of support for the report
completion, from the beginning till the end. Also, thanks to all my friends and everyone, that
has been contributed by supporting my work and helps myself during the final year project
progress till it is fully completed. I express my deep gratitude and appreciation to those who
agreed to participate in this project for their time expanded and courage in sharing their insights
with a fledging student. It is to them that I am indebted, and I can only hope that the product of
our collaboration benefits each one as much as I benefited from the process. Last but not of
least importance, I acknowledge to all people who have involved and supported me in making
this project.

4
 ABSTRACT

Industrial wastewater treatment is a critical process for mitigating environmental pollution and

ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Alum (aluminum sulfate) is a widely used

coagulant in wastewater treatment due to its cost-effectiveness, availability, and efficiency in

removing suspended solids, organic matter, and other contaminants. This study focuses on the

role of alum in treating industrial wastewater, examining its mechanisms, applications, and

limitations.

When added to wastewater, alum hydrolyzes to form aluminum hydroxide flocs, which adsorb

and trap impurities, facilitating their removal through sedimentation or filtration. The process

effectively reduces turbidity, heavy metals, phosphates, and pathogens. Applications of alum

span various industries, including textile, food processing, and chemical manufacturing, where

its use significantly improves effluent quality.

However, challenges such as the generation of sludge, pH adjustments, and the disposal of

residual aluminum compounds require careful consideration. This abstract concludes that alum

remains a vital component in industrial wastewater treatment, but integrating it with other

advanced treatment methods, such as membrane filtration or biological processes, could

enhance efficiency and sustainability. Further research is recommended to optimize alum

dosing and address its environmental impact.

5
 CONTENT

Sr. Name of chapter Page. No.

No.

1. Chapter 1: Introduction 07

2. Chapter 2 : literature survey for problem identification 08

3. Chapter 3 : Methodology 09

4. Chapter 4:- conclusion 12

5. Chapter 5:- reference 12

6
 INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER TREATMENT BY USING AALUM

INTRODUCTION
Industrial wastewater treatment is an essential process for managing the discharge of

harmful pollutants generated by industrial activities. This wastewater often contains a variety

of contaminants, including suspended solids, heavy metals, organic matter, oils, and nutrients,

which, if left untreated, can have severe environmental and health impacts. Effective treatment

methods are necessary to meet regulatory standards and protect ecosystems.

Among the numerous techniques available, chemical coagulation is a widely employed process, and

alum (aluminum sulfate) is one of the most commonly used coagulants in this method. Alum is favored

for its high efficiency in reducing turbidity, removing suspended particles, and precipitating dissolved

impurities. Its mechanism involves the hydrolysis of aluminum salts to form flocs of aluminum

hydroxide, which adsorb and trap contaminants, allowing their removal through sedimentation or

filtration.

The use of alum in industrial wastewater treatment offers several advantages, such as cost-

effectiveness, simplicity in operation, and compatibility with other treatment methods. It is particularly

effective in industries such as textiles, paper and pulp, food processing, and metal plating, where

wastewater contains high levels of impurities. However, challenges associated with alum include the

production of sludge, potential environmental impacts of residual aluminum, and the need for precise

dosing and pH control.

This introduction provides a foundation for understanding the significance of alum in industrial

wastewater treatment and highlights the need for continued research to optimize its application,

minimize drawbacks, and enhance overall treatment efficiency.

7
 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Literature review

Waste treatment sludge (WTS). The management of this produced WTS has become a serious issue
worldwide. Furthermore, the amount and nature of the achieved sludge depend on the quality of
the raw water and the dose of the coagulants used in the treatment system [1–3].

The disposal of excessive sludge generated during the treatment process, which is either dumped
into rivers or disposed of in landfills, is a significant environmental concern for water treatment [4].
Dumping WTS in rivers raises the concentration of aluminum, which has a detrimental effect on
natural resources and the environment. Furthermore, the costs of the landfill are increasing sharply.
So, there is a significant demand for recycling WTS. WTS has been used in many commercial and
industrial manufacturing processes.

Several research studies have used WTS in manufacturing several construction materials [5] as,
concrete blocks [6,7], lightweight aggregates [8,9], cement composites [10], geopolymers [11,12],
paving blocks [7], eco-concrete blocks [13], Glass-ceramics [14], high alumina ceramics [15],
production of tiles, and as a key component in the production of clinker [16]. Additionally, WTS has
been used in land applications [1]. In comparison to other recycling processes, reusing this material
to create ceramic products such as lightweight aggregates uses more energy, but they have high
stability and durability.

When alum is introduced to wastewater, it undergoes hydrolysis, forming aluminum hydroxide. This
compound carries a positive charge, which neutralizes the negatively charged particles suspended in
the wastewater, such as clay, silt, and organic matter. This neutralization destabilizes the particles,
causing them to collide and aggregate into larger particles known as flocs. These flocs, due to their
increased size and weight, settle at the bottom of the treatment tank through gravity. The clarified
water, now relatively free of suspended solids, can then undergo further treatment processes like
filtration and disinfection.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Alum offers several advantages, including its low cost compared to other coagulants, readily available
supply, and effectiveness in removing a wide range of pollutants. However, it also presents some
drawbacks. The primary disadvantage is the generation of a substantial amount of sludge, which
requires proper disposal to prevent environmental contamination. Additionally, residual aluminum in
the treated water can pose potential risks to aquatic life and human health. The effectiveness of
alum is also sensitive to pH, with optimal performance observed within a specific pH range.

8
 • Material required:-

Raw material:

1) Industrial waste water

2) Alum

3) NaOH and KOH

*NaOH KOH

9
 • Procedure to treat wastewater :-
The procedure to treat industrial wastewater using alum (aluminum sulfate) involves a process called
coagulation-flocculation. This method helps in removing suspended solids, contaminants, and
impurities from the water. Here’s a step-by-step outline of the procedure:

• Preliminary Assessment
• Characterization of the wastewater: Test the wastewater for its chemical properties,
including pH, suspended solids, and other contaminants.

• pH Adjustment (if needed)

• Adjust the pH: Alum works best at a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 5.5 to 7.0). If the
wastewater is too alkaline, pH adjustment using an acid like sulfuric acid may be necessary.
• Addition of Alum
• Prepare alum solution: Dissolve alum in water to create a concentrated solution.
• Introduce alum to the wastewater: Add the alum solution to the wastewater slowly, ensuring
thorough mixing. The typical dosage ranges from 10 to 100 mg/L, depending on the water’s
characteristics.
• Coagulation
• Rapid mixing: After adding the alum, mix the water rapidly for about 1-2 minutes to help the
alum dissolve and disperse evenly, causing the coagulation of fine particles.
• Coagulation is the process where small particles and dissolved contaminants destabilize and
form larger aggregates.
• Flocculation
• Slow mixing: After coagulation, reduce the mixing speed and allow for slower agitation for
15-20 minutes. This helps the particles form into larger flocs, which are easier to remove.

• Settling
• Allow flocs to settle: After flocculation, let the water sit undisturbed for a few hours or more
to allow the flocs to settle to the bottom of the tank (sedimentation). The clear water is then
separated from the sludge.
• Filtration (if necessary)
• Filtration: If the water still contains suspended solids after settling, filtration (e.g., sand or
activated carbon filters) can be used to remove any remaining particles.
• Sludge Disposal
• Manage the sludge: The settled sludge needs to be removed and disposed of properly, either
through dewatering or disposal in a landfill, depending on local regulations.

• Post-Treatment

10
 • Final testing: Test the treated water to ensure it meets environmental standards for
discharge or reuse.
• This alum-based treatment method is widely used because of its cost-effectiveness and
efficiency in removing various types of contaminants from industrial wastewater. However, it
may not address certain dissolved substances like heavy metals, so additional treatment
processes might be necessary for specific cases.

• Conclusion:-

The use of alum for industrial wastewater treatment proves to be an effective and cost-efficient
method for removing contaminants such as suspended solids, heavy metals, and organic pollutants.
The flocculation process facilitated by alum helps in aggregating particles, making them easier to
remove through sedimentation or filtration. Through this project, it has been demonstrated that
alum can significantly improve water quality, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
However, it is important to consider factors such as dosage, pH levels, and water composition to
optimize the treatment process. Further research into minimizing the environmental impact of alum
residues and exploring alternative treatment options could enhance the sustainability and efficiency
of industrial wastewater treatment systems.

• Reference :-
https://www.sciencedirect.com
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

11