Affiliation:
1. Manav Rachna University,Department of Chemistry,Faridabad,India,121001,
Abstract
The pulp and papermaking industry, being a large consumer of natural
resources, i.e., wood and water, has become one of the largest sources of pollution to
the environment. Wastewater generated during various stages of the pulp and paper-making process continues to be toxic in nature even after secondary treatment. The
effluent water contains not only various toxic chemicals such as volatile organic
compounds but also heavy metals like copper, mercury, iron, zinc aluminium, etc. Even
at very low concentrations, most of the heavy metals are toxic and deadly in nature.
Prolonged exposure to heavy metals causes various diseases in humans and animals
either through skin contact, inhalation, or via consuming food materials.
Treatment of pulp and paper industry wastewater by conventional methods is not
efficient due to its complex nature. These conventional methods, either physical,
biological, chemical or a combination of these methods are also not environmentally
safe and economically viable. Complete degradation of heavy metals is not possible by
the application of a single method. The generation of a huge volume of toxic sludge is
an ongoing and major problem. Therefore bioremediation methods are preferred as
they are highly efficient, cost effective, eco-friendly in nature, there is no secondary
waste created in the environment and metabolize the highly toxic heavy metals into
degradable, less toxic components with the help of microbes.
This chapter focuses on Micro-Bioremediation methods using algae, fungi, yeasts and
bacteria as the most preferred medium to treat wastewater generated by the pulp and
paper industry. These are further also used to reduce toxic organic compounds.<br>
Publisher
BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS