Determinação das condições ótimas de tratamento de efluentes têxteis por meio de processos de oxidação avançada

Abstract

The textile industry generates large volumes of effluent characterized by a high organic load due to the use of dyes and surfactants in its production processes. These pollutants exhibit low biodegradability and pose a risk to the environment and public health. Advanced oxidation processes are an efficient alternative for treating these effluents; however, it is necessary to find conditions that optimize process effectiveness. In this context, the objective of this research was to determine the optimal treatment conditions using the heterogeneous photocatalysis method (H₂O₂/UV/TiO₂). The study applied response surface methodology with a Box-Behnken experimental design, which yielded a model that was experimentally validated. The operational variables studied were pH, H₂O₂ concentration, and TiO₂ concentration. The parameter evaluated to determine process effectiveness is the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The experimental tests were carried out in a treatment system consisting of a batch reactor with agitation and a UV lamp. The results demonstrated the existence of optimal conditions that maximize the process's efficiency, namely: a pH of 6.13; an H₂O₂ concentration of 2388 ppm; and a TiO₂ concentration of 491 ppm. The organic load removal percentage achieved under these conditions was 67.07%, which was considered satisfactory. Thus, this study provides a solid foundation for the application of this technology in the treatment of textile effluents, with potential for industrial scaling.