ABSTRACT
Nanoparticles mediated treatment technologies are considered as a promising alternative to traditional water treatment techniques. Significant quantity of grey water is released from the household activities on a regular basis, which results in environmental concerns in the long run and increased consumption of fresh water. The direct disposal of grey water into water bodies can lead to rise in contamination by the reduction of dissolved oxygen levels and rapid bacterial growth. The typical grey water consists of considerable quantities of xenobiotic organic compounds due to the enhanced consumption of personal care and bath products. Therefore, it is essential to find a cost effective technology to eliminate these compounds from contaminated water bodies. The objective of the research was to fabricate calcium carbonate nanoparticles using a simple and cost-effective method by homogenization and precipitation process for the treatment of domestic grey water. The nanoparticles were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential measurement and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The fabricated calcium carbonate nanoparticles were employed in the batch treatment of grey water by varying the contact time; solution pH, speed of agitation and amount of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. The contaminant removal efficiency of the nanoparticles were assessed by recording the total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. The outcome of the study shows that the optimum pollutant removal efficiency was established at a solution pH 8.0, agitation speed of 100 rpm, 60 min of contact time and 0.7 g/L of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Hence, the calcium carbonate nanoparticles mediated process is recommended for the effective treatment of grey water, since it was able to remove both COD and turbidity by 88% and 87%, respectively. This research is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG -6) which is clean water and sanitation. This community engagement project will serve the society by saving a considerable amount of fresh water every day by reusing treated grey water and to produce a clean environment. DOI:10.1007/s13738-023-02766-1
KEYWORDS: Calcium carbonate, Chemical oxygen demand, Grey water, Nanoparticles, Organics