Enhancing textile wastewater reuse: Integrating Fenton oxidation with membrane filtration

The textile industry produces large volumes of wastewater with complex organic pollutants, dyes, and chemicals that are challenging to treat. This study introduces an integrated approach combining Fenton oxidation and membrane filtration in a continuous flow system to improve textile wastewater treatment. The study optimized the removal efficiencies of COD, TOC, and colour by varying the dosages of Fe2+ and H2O2, as well as adjusting the pH and flow rates. Optimal conditions were pH 3.0, 3 mM Fe2+, 10 mM H2O2, and a flow rate of 25 mL/min for both Fenton and photo-Fenton processes. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were employed to simulate and forecast treatment outcomes, identifying reaction time as the most critical factor with relative importance values of 57% for COD and 55% for TOC in Fenton oxidation, and 57% for COD and 49% for TOC in photo-Fenton oxidation. The optimized Fenton process was integrated with microfiltration (MF) and reverse osmosis (RO), to enable the recycling and reuse of wastewater. In the integrated system, COD and TOC removal efficiencies reached 96% and 95%, respectively, following the RO process. Prior to this, after Fenton oxidation, sedimentation, and sand filtration, the COD and TOC removal efficiencies were 70% and 73%, respectively. Colour removal efficiency was 98% after Fenton oxidation, and complete removal was achieved after membrane filtration. The system also significantly reduced electrical conductivity (EC) and concentrations of chloride, sulphate, calcium, and sodium, making the water suitable for reuse. Additionally, the study addressed membrane fouling and proposed strategies to improve long-term operational efficiency. This integrated approach offers a scalable and effective solution for textile wastewater treatment, supporting environmental sustainability and resource conservation.