Purifying Industrial Wastewater with Local Clay: An Eco-friendly Solution

What is it about?

The study addresses the issue of wastewater pollution from industrial and agricultural activities in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, focusing on removing organic pollutants using natural clay from Rouko, Burkina Faso. Adsorption experiments revealed that increasing the temperature enhances the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD⁵), with optimal removal rates at 37 °C. Using 5 g of clay per 100 mL of wastewater, the maximum removal rates were 70% for COD and 98% for BOD⁵. The clay's adsorption mechanism is attributed to its surface functional groups, including hydroxyl and oxide groups. While the removal efficiency is promising, it may not fully meet recommended limits for COD, highlighting the potential but also the limitations of this low-cost purification method.

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Photo by Avinash Narnaware on Unsplash

Photo by Avinash Narnaware on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important because it explores the use of natural clay from Burkina Faso as a low-cost and ecologically friendly method to remove organic pollutants from industrial wastewater. Given the global challenge of water pollution and the scarcity of clean water resources, the study proposes an effective and sustainable alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods. The findings are particularly relevant for developing countries like Burkina Faso, where expensive treatment technologies may not be feasible, and there is a pressing need for accessible and efficient solutions to improve water quality and protect water resources. Key Takeaways: 1. Environmental Impact: The study demonstrates that natural clay can significantly reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in industrial wastewater, indicating its potential as an effective method for improving water quality and reducing environmental pollution. 2. Cost-Effectiveness: The research highlights the economic advantage of using locally sourced materials, such as natural clay, for wastewater treatment. This approach is especially beneficial for resource-constrained regions where traditional treatment methods are prohibitively expensive. 3. Practical Application: The findings provide a practical solution for wastewater treatment in Burkina Faso, offering a method that can be implemented with minimal infrastructure and operational costs. This could lead to improved public health outcomes and sustainable water management practices in the region.