Optimization of coagulation-flocculation process for pastas industry effluent using response surface methodology

The goal of this study was to characterize and then optimize the treatment process of effluent generated from couscous and pasta industry. The crude effluent is characterized by a high level of organic concentration (from 2269 to 4383 mg/l). The optimization of coagulation-flocculation process was then performed to minimize chemical oxygen demand (COD). The experiments were carried out using the response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) was used to evaluate the effects and the interactions of three factors; coagulant dosage, flocculant dosage and pH on the wastewater treatment efficiency. Quadratic models was developed for the response variables and it successfully describes the experimental data (R-2 = 0.728). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that only the coefficients corresponding to the flocculant dosage were significant (p < 0.0001). In order to take into account the variability of the initial organic concentration of the effluent, the CCD was repeated thrice by using a wastewater having initially different organic charges (530, 1775 and 2722 mg/l). Whatever was the initial organic charge of the wastewater, the optimal coagulant dosage was found constant (about 50 mg/l) and the optimal pH value was about 11.0. On the contrary, the optimal flocculant dosage varied linearly (from 24 to 50 mg/l) with the initial COD (from 529 to 2722 mg/l). These optimal conditions allow a COD removal varying from 78 to 93%. Irrigation and germination tests were carried out with treated and untreated wastewater and they showed that these effluents could be adequately recycled in culture irrigation.