Anion exchange resins for removal of reactive dyes from textile wastewaters

Sorption onto an easily regenerable sorbent in fixed bed filters would be an interesting option for removal of reactive dyes from textile wastewaters. A previous screening with model solutions (Dyes Pigm 51 (2001) 111) had shown two anion exchangers (strong basic S6328a and weak basic MP62, both Bayer) to exhibit good sorption characteristics for reactive dyes. The aim of this study was to evaluate these materials more closely. Thus filter breakthrough, the behavior with original wastewater samples, and the effect of inorganic wastewater parameters as well as regeneration were studied. Breakthrough curves for both materials are relatively unfavorable with a flat gradient, but throughput until breakthrough (100–800 bed volumes) should be sufficient for technical use. With both resins dye uptake is influenced little by competition of inorganic anions (sulfate, carbonate, phosphate) and they perform well in original wastewaters. However, the weak basic type is only efficient up to pH 8. Alkaline regeneration works well for MP62, for S6328a acid regeneration works for most dyes.