Treatment of pre-treated real textile industry wastewater by hybrid process in the presence of walnut shell and corncob based materials

In this study, an eco-friendly, sustainable and innovative treatment methodology was investigated for the treatment of pre-treated wastewater of textile industry. In this purpose, more than one methods were tested as a hybrid process. This study includes electrocoagulation, adsorption, photo-Fenton-like advanced oxidation method and microbial fuel cell methods, respectively. Two different electrode materials, including aluminum and iron, were tested for electrocoagulation method and Al electrode was found to provide higher total organic carbon removal. In addition, the method has resulted in turbidity, color and suspension removal. In the adsorption method, corncob and walnut shell were used as agricultural wastes for preparation of the actvated carbon. The BiNiO3 catalyst with corn cob support material was effective for the photo-Fenton like oxidation method. Microbial fuel cell, which is the last step of the process, is found not be very effective. At the end of the hybrid process, 87% total organic carbon, 49% chemical oxygen demand, 96% turbidity, approximately 90% color and 95-97% suspended solids removal were achieved. The hybrid sytem was effective to achieve the irrigation water standards except for salinity and chemical oxygen demand. Agricultural wastes used in catalysts and adsorbents was promoted to be innovative, environmentally friendly and economical.