Efficiency of combined ceramic microfiltration and biosorbent based treatment of high organic loading composite wastewater: An approach for agricultural reuse

Treatment of high organic loading composite wastewater was conducted using ceramic microfiltration process alone and in combination with a novel biosorbent prepared from fruit peels of Lagerstroemia sp. The wastewater was collected from two different sources consisting of domestic and industrial effluent. Crossflow microfiltration study was conducted using ceramic membrane prepared from cost effective composition of clay-alumina. The biosorbent was characterized before and after treatment in terms of FTIR, FESEM, XRD, etc. Effect of organic load on flux rate was observed. The study was carried out at varying pressure (0.2–2.4 kg/cm2) and at constant pressure for 3 h. The treated and untreated effluent was characterized in terms of various parameters. Reusability study was conducted with both the treated effluent and effect was observed on antioxidative stress enzymes of two spice plants i.e. mustard and fennel. Long term effect was studied by irrigating the seeds of above plants with treated and untreated effluent to quantify the efficiency of the combined process for reuse in agricultural purpose. Root and shoot length as well as chlorophyll content along with other mentioned parameters were measured. The combined process showed much potential for treatment and subsequent reuse of high loaded organic wastewater in agricultural activity.