Evaluation of Ferric-chloride (FeCl3) precipitation Effluent Treatment method in the reduction of organics pollutants from the effluent of Solvent Production Plant (SPP) of a Heavy Water project (HWP)

Abstract

The Nuclear Organic Solvents are used in varied activities of Department of Atomic Energy in front end and back end of closed nuclear fuel cycle processes of Indian Nuclear Power program.  These solvents are being synthesized in various units of heavy water plants. The effluent generated is composed of hypersaline Sodium Chloride (NaCl) or Potassium Chloride (KCl) with organic contaminants. The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) parameter which reflects the organic impurities exhibits the values up to 27,000 ppm and didn’t fall under the prescribed limit of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. The effluent treatment method based on FeCl₃ was successful in reducing the COD to the level of 550 ppm and the pH level to prescribed limit but the other parameter measurements exceeded to certain extent than CPCB Industrial wastewater discharge limits. The main objective of the research is to analyze the effectiveness and potentiality of FeCl₃ precipitation method to treat the Solvent Production Plant (SPP) effluents in relevant to the statutory limit of CPCB. The physicochemical characteristics study of effluent before and after treatment initiated the water quality assessment of effective effluent management. This analysis leads to address the complexities of the ferric chloride precipitation method and the requirement of developing an alternative eco-friendly and energy efficient effluent treatment system with simplified treatment processes for sustainable operations in future.