Review on Potential Technologies for Decolourisation of Batik Wastewater

Water is the most precious natural resource and it is impossible to live without it. However, the potential beneficial uses of water are lost due to changes in its composition as a result of human activity especially from industrial effluents. It is estimated about 22% of the total volume of industrial wastewater is produced by the textiles industry, one of the largest industrial producers of high volume wastewater primarily in the dyeing and finishing operations. This industry engenders a huge contribution to Malaysia’s economy development due to high demands locally and abroad. However, little awareness on the importance of clean practices in the production of Batik among Batik entrepreneurs has caused them to take improper actions by discharging the effluents without proper treatment. Currently, many technologies are available to solve the problems caused by textile industry. However, the best methods differ from plant to plant depending on size, type of waste and degree of treatment needed. This article reviews the available technologies and suggests an effective, cheaper alternative for dye removal and decolorisation applicable on large scale.