Removal Efficiency of Cu2+ and Zn2+ from Industrial Wastewater by Using Microbial Desalination Cell

Abstract

The removal of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ from industrial wastewater using the microbial desalination cell is studied. Both synthetic and industrial samples were haracterised in accordance with standard methods recommended for examination of water and wastewater. Synthetic samples used for the analysis were prepared with concentration 5; 25; 50; 75; 100 mg/L Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in deionized water. The removal efficiency of each metal was analyzed after 30; 60; 90; 120; 150 min; psychrophilic, mesophilic, thermophilic and 2–3; 3–4; 4–5; 5–6 and 6–7 mg/L dissolved oxygen were monitored. The experiments were done on wastewater of electroplating industries in Isfahan, Iran, in optimum conditions. For data analysis, SPSS version 16 software was used. Optimum condition for removing Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ were found to be: 100 mg/L, 4.4 mg/L dissolved oxygen, 26°C and 120 min.