Title : Integrating conventional filtration and impedance spectroscopy for wastewater treatment
Abstract:
This study investigates the use of hearth ash and sand as filtration media in a vertical infiltration-percolation system for treating industrial wastewater, coupled with complex conductivity monitoring. Conducted on the liquid effluents of a steel manufacturing plant in Jorf Lasfar, Morocco, the research targets contaminants such as heavy metals, suspended solids, and high organic loads in untreated effluents. The filtration system, which comprises layers of hearth ash, fly ash, and sand, achieved significant pollutant reductions: 88% in chemical oxygen demand (COD), 78% in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), and 74% in suspended solids (SS), aligning with Moroccan irrigation water standards. Hearth ash’s silica-rich composition and strong adsorption properties played a crucial role in neutralizing pollutants.
Impedance spectroscopy provided real-time monitoring by analyzing electrical properties such as conductivity. The conductivity spectrum indicated pollutant neutralization. Modeling complex conductivity using an equivalent circuit revealed two relaxation processes, highlighting the material's efficiency in pollutant adsorption and the potential for system optimization.
The results confirm the viability of hearth ash as a sustainable filtration medium, offering an efficient, low-cost solution for wastewater treatment. This innovative approach integrates conventional filtration with advanced monitoring tools, providing enhanced system reliability and real-time performance insights. By valorizing industrial by-products and reducing environmental impacts, the study contributes to global efforts in sustainable water management.
