Estudo do coagulante tanfloc e do coagulante sulfato de alumínio no tratamento de efluente de laticínio

Abstract

The increase in demand for water and the need for adequate treatment of industrial effluents have encouraged the search for more efficient and sustainable processes. In the dairy industry, which generates effluents with high organic load, color, and turbidity, coagulation and flocculation are essential steps for the removal of particles and organic matter, and the choice of coagulant is decisive for the performance of the treatment. In this context, this study compared the chemical coagulant aluminum sulfate to the natural coagulant Tanfloc in the removal of color and turbidity from dairy effluent, through tests in Jartest equipment and the preparation of coagulation diagrams to define the ideal pH and dosages, complemented by digital image analysis to evaluate the characteristics of the flocs formed and sedimentation behavior. The results indicated that aluminum sulfate showed good removal, but required strict pH correction and higher dosages, implying an increase in input consumption and the production of sludge with a higher metal content. Tanfloc, on the other hand, showed efficiency in wider pH ranges and at lower dosages, in addition to generating less sludge, with biodegradable characteristics. Although Tanfloc has a higher unit cost, its application can reduce indirect operating costs and environmental impacts. It can be concluded that Tanfloc is a promising and sustainable alternative to aluminum sulfate, especially in systems that seek efficiency combined with waste reduction and operational simplification.