PÓS-TRATAMENTO DE EFLUENTE DE REATOR ANAERÓBIO UTILIZANDO DUPLA FILTRAÇÃO PARA FINS DE REÚSO

Abstract

This study evaluates the use of a pilot filtering double unit, comprising an ascending draining gravel filter and a rapid descending sand filter for the treatment of UASB reactor effluent. As a preliminary phase to the double filtering, coagulation/oxidation was used aiming at helping degradation and flocculation of contaminants, facilitating their retention on the filters. In this phase, three combinations were used: ferrous sulfate (FS) and peracetic acid (APA); ferrous chloride (FC) and CF and APA, all with the same iron concentration. After treatability tests, the efficacy of the system was assessed through the physical-chemical and microbiological parameters. In all treatments carried out in the pilot unit, the suspended solids (SST) were totally removed, which resulted in over 90% turbidity reduction. The treatments in the presence of APA demonstrated higher removal of the effluent color, however, the treatment with FS and APA cannot be recommended due to the high concentration of sulfate ions in the final effluent. Regarding microbiological parameters, the presence of oxidant contributed to the partial inactivation of microorganisms. The alternative to carry out a disinfection phase with APA after double filtering using the coagulant/oxidant FC/APA can be employed without any addition phase to irrigate orchards, pastures and cereal crops according to the NBR 13969/97. By adding the pH adjustment phase and chloride addition to the treatment proposed, the treated effluent can be reused in: agriculture, restrictive agriculture; damming, restrictive damming, environment, industry and the replenishment of underground water (except for drinking purposes), according to the recommendations of the USEPA (2012) Recommendation Manual.