Abstract
The escalating contamination of water bodies by heavy metals, specifically zinc (Zn), presents a significant peril to human health and the environment. This study delves into an innovative approach aimed at effectively removing Zn from simulated lead acid battery industry wastewater (LABIW) through the utilization of a fluidized bed homogeneous granulation (FBHG) process. This process entails the creation of granules within a fluidized bed reactor, offering a distinctive and promising technique for improving the recovery of metal ions. Moreover, the study systematically examines the impact of key process variables, such as initial Zn concentration molar ratio, and reaction pH, on the FBHG process. Results showed that the highest removal efficiency was obtained at a pH of 9.5 with 99.5 % and 99.74 %, 300 ppm concentration with 99.14 % and 99.71 %, and a molar ratio of 1.25 with 98.43 % and 99.47 % for granulation and total removal efficiency respectively. The outcomes underscore the efficacy of the FBHG process in achieving elevated Zn removal and recovery rates across diverse conditions. The proposed FBHG process emerges as a promising remedy for efficient Zn removal and recovery as Zn carbonate from wastewater, holding potential for widespread application in LABIW wastewater and water treatment plants. The insights derived from this research contribute to advancing sustainable and cost-effective technologies for mitigating heavy metal contamination, addressing the urgent need for cleaner water resources in our progressively industrialized world.
