PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE BIOLOGY UNIT IN WWTP GLYCERIN AND STEARIC ACID FOR SUSTAINABLE TREATMENT INNOVATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35261/barometer.v11i2.13185Abstract
The oleochemical industry, which produces glycerin and stearic acid, generates liquid waste with high organic content, specifically a COD of 365 mg/L and a BOD of 73 mg/L. Therefore, biological treatment using trickling filters and aeration is required to reduce the concentration of organic pollutants. This study aims to evaluate the performance of these two units in a basic oleochemical industry wastewater treatment plant. The evaluation was conducted through observation of operational conditions, sampling at the inlet and outlet of the treatment units, laboratory testing, removal efficiency analysis, and comparison with applicable quality standards. The results showed that the influent wastewater had a COD of 365 mg/L and a BOD of 73 mg/L, with a BOD/COD ratio of 0.20, indicating a predominance of organic compounds that are difficult to degrade biologically. The trickling filter unit reduced turbidity by only 0.63%, indicating that the biodegradation process and contact between the wastewater and the biofilm were not yet optimal. In the aeration unit, pH was 7.85, DO was 5.80 mg/L, and MLSS was 1,172 mg/L, which still supports the activity of aerobic microorganisms. A COD value of 3,605 mg/L indicates a high total organic content in the reactor; however, its interpretation is limited because the sample was taken from mixed liquor without biomass separation. The research results indicate that hydraulic distribution and biomass management are critical factors influencing the performance of the wastewater treatment plant.
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