Evaluation of Magnetic Coagulant (α-Fe2O3-MO) and its Reuse in Textile Wastewater Treatment

The textile industries are characterized as one of the biggest consumers of potable water and chemical products throughout its process, being responsible for the elevated wastewater generation with intense coloration and wide polluting potential. In this context, the present study proposes the development and application of a new coagulant material for textile wastewater treatment. The proposed coagulant (α-Fe 2 O 3 -MO) was composed by hematite nanoparticles (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) obtained by a simple non-pollutant methodology, associated with Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds saline extract compounds. Coagulation/flocculation (CF) efficiency was evaluated by removal of physicochemical parameters such as apparent color, turbidity, and compounds with absorption at UV 254nm (UV 254nm ) through CF tests carried out on Jar test equipment and sedimentation carried out in the presence and absence of external magnetic field (600 k Am −1 ). Kinetics sedimentation was from 0 to 90 min. The use of this new coagulant allowed the removal of 92.37% for apparent color, 91.43% for turbidity, and 46.09% for UV 254nm , indicating that the proposed coagulant association was efficient in the treatment of this type of wastewater under external magnetic field with only 10 min of sedimentation. In addition, the resulting sludge from CF process was tested as base material for a new coagulant synthesis, demonstrating great reuse potential. Therefore, the new proposed coagulant, composed of α-Fe 2 O 3 and the compounds present in the seed extract of MO, has applicability for textile wastewater treatment demonstrating high removal rate for all evaluated parameters with cost reduction in the proposed treatment for this wastewater.