Various Treatment Processes for the Removal of Absorbable Organic Halides (AOX) from Pulp and Paper Industry Wastewater

Abstract

Paper and pulp industry is one of the most important industries in India, not only for Economical purpose but also for Social purpose. The pulp and paper industry is the world's second largest consumer of chlorine and the greatest source of toxic organ-chlorine discharges directly into waterways. At first glance, a sheet of paper might seem harmless, closer look at paper production reveals toxic chlorine bleaching and reckless logging practices that are devastating our forests, our rivers and lakes, and our health. The paper demand is increasing day by day with put great pressure on these industries. When residual lignin from wood fibers and chlorine/chlorine compounds react then absorbable organic halides (AOX) is generated, in the bleaching process. They are proven very carcinogens and mutagens, bioaccumulative. (AOX) can cause severe effects on the health of people and wildlife and are implicated in local and global outbreaks of cancer, impaired reproduction and development, immune suppression, and other diseases. This paper reviews the various Physical, chemical and electrochemical methods reported to remove AOX compounds are available and also different types of aerobic, anaerobic and combined biological treatment processes have been developed for treatment of pulp and paper industry wastewater. There is a growing need for modernization and introduction of energy efficient and clean technologies for enhancing competitiveness and productivity