Energy-saving integrated ferritisation treatment of nickel-containing wastewater

Modern requirements to electroplating waste treatment necessitate development of technologies that would allow on-site recycle and reuse of both treated water and residuals of water processing. The most prospective option for introduction of recourse-saving wastewater purification is associated with application the method of ferritisation. In this connection, the paper presents an advanced ferritisation process for reduction of initial concentrations of heavy metals (HM) in exhausted nickel electroplating electrolytes from 100 mg/L to 0.3 mg/L. Effects of main technological parameters of such wastewater treatment at thermal and electromagnetic pulse methods of activation of the ferritisation process were determined experimentally. Kinetics of removal of nickel and iron ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. Phase compositions and properties of sediments from wastewater treated were studied. The sediments are predominantly characterised by crystalline nanostructures, ferromagnetic properties and chemical stability, supporting opportunities for their environmentally sound utilisation. Proposed comprehensive process for treatment of liquid industrial waste flows would prevent contamination by toxic effluents; ensure rational use of water, raw materials and energy inputs.