Waste stream generated in the textile industry is essentially based on water-based effluent generated in the various activities of wet processing of textiles, in a practical estimate, it has been found that 45% material in preparatory processing, 33% in dyeing and 22% are re-processed in finishing. The fact is that the effluent generated in different steps is well beyond the standard and thus it is highly polluted and dangerous.  The wastewater also contains colours and dyes and high BOD and COD freights. The effluent from the dyeing industries also consists of high amount of inorganic salts like sodium sulphate or sodium chloride.

Algae can be employed to treat the waste water emitted in the dyeing industry since they have the capability to regulate the pH and prevent sludge formation, some of the processes that take place while using microagae in the dyeing industry involves:

1. Reduction of TDS.
2. Reduction of sodium sulphite in detergent.
3. Control of bio-fouling in cooling towers.
4. Removal of heavy metals in the process. After successful lab studies field studies are on using selected micro algae

Algae are mainly used for pH correction and decolorization of dye effluent from textile and leather industry. Algal technology could correct the pH and prevent sludge formation. The dye bath effluent is treated using micro algae. This technology is not only eco-friendly but also very economical. The algal biomass produced by this process is being used for composting and part of it is dried and used as a fuel.

For instance, the potential of commonly available green algae belonging to species Spirogyra was investigated as viable biomaterials for biological treatment of simulated synthetic azo dye (reactive Yellow 22) effluents. The ability of the species in removing colour was dependent both on the dye concentration and algal biomass . Green algae belonging to Chlorella and diatom species have also been reported being applied in textile effluent treatment.

 Read more from Oilgae’s Algae-Based Waste Water Treatment – The one and only such report in the world  Oilgae has published a unique report to assist those keen on understanding the algae-based waste water treatment technology and those wanting to venture into this industry. The Oilgae’s guide to waste water treatment is a comprehensive guide to understanding the algae-based waste water treatment, technolgies, challenges and the players that are involved in this industry. Link –http://www.oilgae.com/ref/report/wastewater_treatment/wastewater_treatment.html   

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