Title : Optimisation of the flocculation process for the removal of turbidity in water using polystyrene waste
Abstract:
In this work, we have focused on the recycling of waste expanded polystyrene, which allows us to obtain a new copolymer based on polystyrene. The properties of the obtained copolymer as well as its structure and composition were established by UV-visible, FTIR spectroscopy and TGA analysis. The prepared copolymer was used as a flocculant for the purpose of removing turbidity from wastewater. Several experimental parameters such as water pH, initial turbidity, flocculant concentration, and their effects on the flocculation process were studied. The considered results show that the studied copolymer is a good flocculant and effective at a very low optimum concentration.
Keywords: polystyrene, copolymer, UV-visible, flocculant, turbidity
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The presentation focuses on recycling waste expanded polystyrene to obtain a new copolymer based on polystyrene. The properties, structure, and composition of the obtained copolymer were characterized using various analytical techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and TGA analysis
- The prepared copolymer was then evaluated as a flocculant for removing turbidity from wastewater. The presentation will discuss the effects of various experimental parameters, including water pH, initial turbidity, and flocculant concentration, on the flocculation process
- The results show that the studied copolymer is an effective flocculant, capable of removing turbidity at a very low optimum concentration. This demonstrates the potential of recycling waste expanded polystyrene to produce a valuable copolymer with applications in wastewater treatment
