Effect of pH of Coagulant on the Treatment of Wastewater from Tofu Industry

Abstract

Wastewater generated from the tofu industry usually still contains high organic pollutants that can contaminate the surface water. Therefore, it should be treated properly before it can be disposed to the environment. This study aims to evaluate the combination of coagulationflocculation and ultrafiltration methods in treating the wastewater from tofu industry. Based on the preliminary tests, the wastewater from tofu industry have pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 3.4, 870 - 1080 mg/L, 370 mg/L, 446 FAU and 7954 mg/L, respectively. The coagulant and membrane used in this study were Poly aluminum chloride (PAC) and the ceramic membrane, respectively. Experimental results showed that the best pH for coagulation-flocculation process is at pH of 7.0, and this pH was then used for ultrafiltration process. The flux of the ultrafiltration membrane increased with increasing the trans membrane pressure due to increasing driving force. The observed parameters such as TSS and turbidity of wastewater decreased drastically after experiencing ultrafiltration process and met the National Environmental Quality Standard. However, the COD of water produced in the ultrafiltration process was still high and did not meet the National Environmental Quality Standard.