Treatment of Pulp and Paper Wastewater Using Aerobic Granulation Technology

The pollutants from pulp and paper mill effluents are toxic to plant/marine life. Harsh plans on tackling this issue by treating wastewater that comes out of these mills before it has a chance to affect the aquatic life in fresh water resources. Pulp and paper mill effluent, much like any other industrial wastewater, contains trace contaminants in large amounts that are extremely difficult to remove with traditional physical or chemical methods. Aerobic granulation is a great solution to deal with this problem as the microorganisms in the granules are tuned to tackle these pollutants. The biogranules contain a mixed and diverse microbial community; therefore, it is a much better solution than traditional biotreatment technologies used in industry today. Because of the granules’ ability to simultaneously remove contaminants that are organic and inorganic in nature, Harsh’s theory is that pulp mill effluent can be treated much more efficiently with the use of this technology. Partnering with IIT Bombay, he plans on implementing this innovative technology into current treatment practices. The ultimate goal of Harsh’s research is to highlight the benefits of aerobic granulation technology in improving water quality around the world.

Faculty Supervisor:

Andrew Tay

Student:

Partner:

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: