Down flow jet-loop reactor with NF-RO membrane system for the treatment of textile wastewater

Textile industries are significant consumers of fresh water, extensively using it for washing and dyeing processes. The effluent from these operations contains various chemicals, including complex synthetic dyes, NaCl and Na2SO4 necessitating efficient treatment before discharge into water bodies. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology facilitates complete water recovery but leads to substantial solid waste accumulation, which poses challenges for reutilization. This study introduces an innovative approach using a Downflow Jet Loop Reactor combined with ozone and activated carbon to effectively remove color and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) from textile effluent. Furthermore, a combination of Nanofiltration (NF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane systems ensures comprehensive purification by effectively separating inorganic salts. Experimental results demonstrated a maximum color removal of 81.25 % from the textile effluent. The fabricated PSF/PVDF NF membrane exhibited exceptional capacity for rejecting divalent salts. Additionally, the RO reject, which is a concentrated solution of salts and contaminants, was successfully reused in a dye bath for cotton fabric dyeing. This approach highlights the practicality, sustainability, and resource conservation potential within the textile production cycle. It underscores the importance of a comprehensive water treatment strategy for achieving sustainable textile production.