SOAP AND DETERGENT WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT DESIGN

WACHEMO UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

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Project Content
CHAPTER ONE

1.Introduction

• Background
• Waste Water Characteristics
• Objectives of Wastewater Treatment
CHAPTER TWO
2. literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
3.Methodology

• Treatment Method
• Treatment Process
CHAPTER FOUR
4 Design of Waste Water Treatment Plant

CHAPTER FIVE

5 expected outcome
 economic evaluation
CHAPTER SIX
6.Discussion and Conclusion

References

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LIST OF TABLE

TABLE 1:RESULT OF WASTE WATER ANALYSIS

LIST OF FIGURE

FIGURE 1:Manufacturing Process of Soap Industry

FIGURE 2:: Treatment plant of soap industry

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CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

Background

Wastewater or sewage is essentially the water supply of the community after it has been fouled
by a variety of uses. Wastewater may be defined as a combination of the liquid or water carried
wastes removed from residences, institutions, and commercial industrial establishments, together
with such groundwater, surface water, and stormwater as may be present. The wastewater
production from urban areas is about evenly divided between industrial and municipal sources.
Therefore, the use of water by industry can significantly affect the water quality of receiving
waters. Soap industries are the major sources of pollution in all environments. Based on the type
of industry, various levels of pollutants can be discharged into the environment directly or
indirectly through public lines. Wastewater from industries includes employees’ sanitary waste,
process wastes from manufacturing, wash waters and relatively uncontaminated water from
heating and cooling operations. Industries consumes huge amount of fresh water, depleting a
valuable resource required for everyday human activities.
In addition, wastewater effluents loaded with pollutants often pose significant hazards to the
environment. It is therefore important to have high-performance and low-cost wastewater
treatment plants to treat and reuse industrial effluents. The strength of the wastewater is
determined by measuring the amount of suspended material in the water and the amount of
organic material in the water. If the industrial wastewater is thrown away without any treatment,
there will be much pollution to the environment. Due to this condition, treatment plant is
essentially needed from the aspect of public health. The objective of this study is to reduce
wastewater pollution and environmental pollution. The raw materials for the manufacturing
process of soap are pead fatty acid distillate, refined bleached deodorized palm stearine, coconut
oil, and tallow. These materials react with caustic soda, salt and water. The soap manufacturing
process flow diagram is shown in figure 1.

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FIGURE 1:Manufacturing Process of Soap Industry

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WASTE WATER CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater is characterized in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological composition. The
physical, chemical and biological examinations are performed to know the wastewater
characteristics.

1. Total Solids:
The total solids in a wastewater consist of the insoluble or suspended solids and the soluble
compounds dissolved in water. The suspended solids content is found by drying and weighing
the residue removed by the filtering of the sample. When this residue is ignited the volatile solids
are burned off. Between 40 and 65 % of the solids in an average wastewater are suspended.
Settleable solids, expressed as milligram per litre, are those that can be removed by
sedimentation.

2. Colour
Colour is a qualitative characteristic that can be used to assess the general condition of
wastewater. Wastewater that is light brown in colour is less than 6 h old, while a light-to-medium
grey colour is characteristic of wastewaters that have undergone some degree of decomposition
or that have been in the collection system for some time.

3.Odour:
The determination of odour has become increasingly important, as the general public has
become more concerned with the proper operation of wastewater treatment facilities. The odour
of fresh wastewater is usually not offensive, but a variety of odorous compounds are released
when wastewater is decomposed biologically under anaerobic conditions,

4.Temperature:

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The measurement of temperature is important because most wastewater treatment schemes

include biological processes that are temperature dependent. In addition, oxygen is less soluble
in warm water than in cold water.

5.Alkalinity:
Alkalinity in wastewater results from the presence of the hydroxide, carbonates, and bicarbonates
of elements such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, or ammonia. The alkalinity in
wastewater helps to resist changes in pH caused by the addition of acids.

6.Dissolved Oxygen:
Dissolved oxygen is required for the respiration of aerobic microorganisms as well as all other
aerobic life forms. However, oxygen is only slightly soluble in water.

7.Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD):

Biological oxygen demand (BOD) is the quantity of oxygen used by microorganisms in the
aerobic stabilization of wastewaters and polluted waters. The standard 5-day BOD value is
commonly used to define the strength of wastewaters, to evaluate the efficiency of treatment by
measuring oxygen demand remaining in the effluent, and to determine the amount of organic
pollution in surface waters.

8.Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD):

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of wastewater or polluted water is a measure of the oxygen
equivalent of the organic matter susceptible to oxidation by a strong chemical oxidant. The
organic matter destroyed by the mixture of chromic and sulphuric acids is converted to CO2 and
water. The COD test is also used to measure the organic matter in industrial and municipal
wastes that contain compounds that are toxic to biological life [2].
The results of soap wastewater characteristics are shown in table I. The test results are described
that they contain highest pollutants such as BOD, COD, suspended solids and total solids.

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TABLE 1:RESULT OF WASTE WATER ANALYSIS

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Objectives

Main objective

✔To design an efficient wastewater treatment system that meets regulatory standards.

Specific objective

• To improve quality of wastewater

• Elimination of pollutants, toxicants and many such
• Preservation of water quality of natural water resources
• To make wastewater usable for other purposes
• Prevention of harmful diseases

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CHAPTER TWO

2. Literature Review

The design of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for the soap and detergent industry requires
a specialized approach due to the unique composition of the wastewater. Soap and detergent
manufacturing processes generate effluents rich in surfactants, oils, fats, salts, and high
concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD). These
characteristics demand a tailored treatment process to meet regulatory discharge standards. This
review highlights key design considerations, treatment methods, and relevant research findings.

Composition and Characteristics of Wastewater The wastewater from soapand detergent plants
contains a mix of organic and inorganic pollutants, which include: Surfactants: Anionic, non-
ionic, and cationic surfactants, which are difficult to degrade. Oils and Grease: Released from
raw materials like fats and oils used in soap production. High BOD and COD: Due to the
presence of organic matter and chemical residues.pH Imbalance: Caustic solutions used in
cleaning can cause pH fluctuations. Salinity: Due to the use of sodium-based salts, especially in
synthetic detergent production.
These pollutants pose challenges for biodegradation, sludge formation, and foaming, which
influence the design of the treatment system.

Treatment Technologies for Soap and Detergent Wastewater Several methods are used for
treating wastewater from the soap and detergent industry. Each technology is selected based on
pollutant characteristics, regulatory standards, and operational feasibility.Preliminary and
Primary Treatment Screening and Grit Removal: To remove large particles, such as debris and
sand, which can damage downstream equipment. Oil and Grease Removal: Dissolved Air
Flotation (DAF) or gravity-based skimming is used to remove floating oils and grease.
Equalization Tank: To balance fluctuations in pH, temperature, and pollutant concentration.

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Secondary Treatment (Biological Treatment)Activated Sludge Process (ASP): Effective for

removing organic pollutants but may face difficulties in handling surfactants due to foam
production. Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs): Suitable for treating variable loads and
concentrations of surfactants. Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs): Offers a high degree of separation
and efficient removal of surfactants, but higher operational costs are a concern. Anaerobic
Digestion: Used to treat high-strength wastewater, reduce sludge production, and generate
biogas. However, it may be less effective onsurfactants due to their toxicity to anaerobic
microbes.

Tertiary Treatment (Advanced Treatment)Chemical Coagulation and Flocculation: Used to

reduce turbidity, remove residual surfactants, and lower COD and BOD.Advanced Oxidation
Processes (AOPs): Methods such as Fenton oxidation, zonation, and UV/H2O2 treatment are
effective in degrading surfactants and reducing toxicity. Membrane Filtration: Ultrafiltration
(UF) and Nano filtration (NF) can separate surfactants and suspended solids. Adsorption Using
Activated Carbon: Used to remove surfactants, color, and odor, but can be costly due to frequent
regeneration.

Design Considerations for WWTP Designing an effective WWTP for the soap and detergent
industry involves balancing pollutant removal, economic feasibility, and operational efficiency.
Key design factors include: Influent Load: Variability in COD, BOD, and surfactant
concentrations must be considered in hydraulic design. Treatment Capacity: Adequate sizing of
tanks and reactors to handle peak loads and variations in flow rate.pH Control: Use of buffer
tanks or pH adjustment units to ensure neutral pH conditions for biological processes. Aeration
and Mixing: Ensuring proper oxygen transfer and mixing to avoid the accumulation of
surfactants and foam. Sludge Management: Proper handling of sludge, as foaming agents in
surfactants can increase sludge volume. Chemical Usage: Optimal use of chemicals for
coagulation, flocculation, and pH adjustment to reduce operational costs.

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Recent Advances in Treatment Technology Recent studies highlight innovative approaches for
better treatment efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainability. Enzymatic Treatment: Use of
specific enzymes to degrade surfactants and oils, offering a greener and energy-efficient
option.Bioaugmentation: Introducing specialized microbial consortia that can degrade surfactants
more effectively. Electrocoagulation (EC): Use of an electric current to destabilize and
precipitate surfactants, fats, and oils. Integrated Hybrid Systems: Combining biological treatment
with advanced oxidation, ultrafiltration, or electrocoagulation for enhanced performance.

Case Studies and Industry Examples Several case studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of
specific treatment designs:Case Study 1: A WWTP in India implemented an SBR system
combined with DAF and coagulation-flocculation, achieving 95% COD removal and compliance
with local discharge standards. Case Study 2: A detergent manufacturing plant in Europe adopted
a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for its compact footprint, which achieved high surfactant removal
efficiency and reduced sludge generation. Case Study 3: A soap factory in Southeast Asia
integrated anaerobic digestion with bio augmentation, leading to increased biogas production and
reduced operational costs.

Challenges and Research Gaps Although significant progress has been made, several challenges
persist: Surfactant Biodegradability: Many synthetic surfactants are resistant to biodegradation,
necessitating advanced treatment methods. Foaming Issues: Surfactants can cause excessive
foaming, affecting aeration efficiency and operational stability. Emerging Contaminants: Trace
chemicals from raw materials may require new treatment methods. High Energy Consumption:
Aeration and advanced oxidation are energy-intensive processes, leading to higher operational
costs.

Current research is focused on:Development of biodegradable surfactants to reduce

environmental impact. Use of machine learning and AI for real-time monitoring and process

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control. Exploration of low-energy treatment systems such as passive wetlands and anaerobic
membrane bioreactors.Designing a wastewater treatment plant for the soap and detergent
industry requires a combination of physical, chemical, andbiological treatment processes.
Effective removal of surfactants, oils, BOD, and COD is critical to meet environmental discharge
regulations. Recent advances in membrane filtration, bio augmentation, and hybrid treatment
systems offer promising solutions. However,design considerations must address variability in
pollutant loads, foaming issues, and operational costs. Future research should focus on more
energy-efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective treatment options.

CHAPTER THREE

3. METHODOLOGY

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TREATMENT METHOD

Wastewater treatment objectives are based primarily on aesthetic and environmental concerns.
The objectives of reduction and removal of BOD, suspended solids and pathogenic
microorganisms continued but at higher levels. The degree of treatment can be determined by
comparing the influent wastewater characteristics to the required effluent wastewater
characteristics. A number of different treatment and disposal or reuse alternatives are then
developed and evaluated, and the best alternative is selected. Wastewater treatment is a
combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes. Methods of treatment in which the
application of physical forces predominate are known as unit operations while methods of
treatment in which chemical or biological activities are involved are known as unit processes.
There are three types of unit operations and processes: 1. Physical unit operations, 2. Chemical
unit processes, and 3. Biological unit processes. these methods evolved directly from man's first
observations of nature; they were the first to be used for wastewater treatment. Screening,
mixing, flocculation, sedimentation, flotation, filtration, and gas transfer are typical unit
operations.

A. Physical Unit Operation

Treatment methods in which the applications of physical forces predominate are known as
physical unit operations. Because most of these methods evolved directly from man's first
observations of nature, they were the first to be used for wastewater treatment. Screening,
mixing, flocculation, sedimentation, flotation, filtration, and gas transfer are typical unit
operations

B. Chemical Unit Processes

Chemical unit processes are those in which removal of contaminants are brought about by
chemical activity. In the field of wastewater treatment, chemical unit operations are usually used
in conjunction with physical unit operations and biological unit processes. Precipitation,
absorption, and disinfection are the most common examples used in wastewater treatment.

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C. Biological Unit Processes

Biological unit processes are those in which removal of contaminants are brought about by
biological activity. In biological treatment of wastewater, the objectives are to coagulate and
remove the non-settleable colloidal solids and to stabilize the organic matter. Basically, these
substances are converted into gases that can escape to the atmosphere and into biological cell
tissue that can be removed by settling.

Treatment Process
In order to treat wastewater, it is necessary to know the function of treatment process.

1. Collection Tank
In this study, storage tank is considered as tank on ground with concrete.

2. Screening
The first step in wastewater treatment is the removal or reduction of coarse solids. The usual
procedure is to pass the untreated wastewater through bar racks or screens. A screen is a device
with openings, generally of uniform size, that is used to retain the coarse solids found in
wastewater. The screening element may consists of parallel bars, rods or wires, grating, wire
mesh, perforated plate, and the openings may be of any shape but generally are circular or
rectangular slots. The materials removed by these devices are known as screening.

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3. Coagulation and Flocculation

Coagulation is employed for the removal of waste materials in suspended or colloidal form.
Colloids are presented by particles over a size range of 1 nm (10-7 cm) to 0.1 nm (10-8 cm).
These particles do not settle out on standing and cannot be removed by conventional physical
treatment processes. Coagulation reduces the net electrical repulsive forces at particle surfaces by
adding coagulant chemicals, whereas flocculation is agglomeration of the destabilized particles
by chemical joining and bridging. In wastewater treatment, coagulation and flocculation are used
to destabilize turbidity, color, odor-producing compounds, pathogens, and other contaminants in
surface waters. Flocculation is agitation of chemically treated water to induce coagulation. In this
manner, very small suspended particles collide and agglomerate into larger heavier floc that
settles out by gravity. Flocculation is a principal mechanism in removing turbidity from water.

4. Primary Sedimentation Tank

The objective of treatment by sedimentation is to remove readily settleable solids and floating
and thus reduce the suspended-solids content. Sedimentation is the removal of solids particles
from suspension by gravity. In water treatment, the common application of sedimentation is after
chemical treatment to remove flocculated impurities and precipitates. In wastewater processing,
sedimentation is used to reduce suspended solids in the influent wastewater and to remove
settleable solids after biological treatment.

5. Trickling Filter
Trickling filters are used for biological treatment of domestic sewage and industrial wastes which
are amenable to aerobic biological processes. Trickling filters, also known as percolating filters
or sprinkling filters are similar to contact beds in construction, but their operation is continuous
and they allow constant aeration. The trickling filter is always preceded by primary
sedimentation along with skimming devices to remove the scum. This will prevent the clogging
of the filter by settleable solids. The effluent from the filter is then taken to secondary
sedimentation tanks for settling out organic solids oxidized while passing through the filter.

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6. Activated Sludge Process

The activated sludge is the sludge which is obtained by settling sewage in presence of abundant
oxygen so as to be supercharged with favourable aerobic micro-organisms. The activated sludge
process of sewage treatment is based on providing intimate contact between the sewage and
biological active sludge. The effluent from the primary settling tank is mixed with a dose of
activated sludge and is aerated in an aeration tank for a period of some hours. During the
aeration, the micro-organisms in the sewage multiply by assimilating part of the influent organic
matter. In this process, part of organic matter is synthesized into new cells and part is oxidized to
derive energy. The synthesis reaction, followed by subsequent separation of the resulting
biological mass and the oxidation reaction are the main mechanisms of BOD removal in the
activated sludge process The BOD removal is up to 80-95 percent and the degree of bacteria
removal is up to 90-95 percent.

7. Neutralization
Many industrial wastes contain acidic or alkaline materials that require neutralization prior to
discharge to receiving waters or prior to chemical or biological treatment. For biological
treatment, a pH in the biological system should be maintained between 6.5 and 8.5 to ensure
optimum biological activity. The biological process itself provides a neutralization and a buffer
capacity as a result of the production of CO2, which reacts with caustic and acidic materials. The
degree of preneutralization required depends, therefore, on the ratio of BOD removed and the
causticity or acidity present in the waste.

8. Up flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB)

Anaerobic decomposition involves in the breakdown of organic wastes to gas (methane and
carbon dioxide) in the absence of oxygen. The quantity of organic matter converted to gas will
vary from 80 to 90 percent. In the up flow anaerobic sludge blanket wastewater is directed to the
bottom of the reactor where it must be distributed uniformly. The wastewater flows upward
through a blanket of biologically formed granules which consume the waste as it passes through
the blanket. Methane and carbon dioxide gas bubbles rise and are captured in the gas dome.
Liquid passes into the settling portion of the reactor where solids-liquid separation takes place.

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The solids return to the blanket area while the liquid exists over the wires. To keep the blanket in
suspension, an up-flow velocity of 2 to 3 ft/h (0.6 to 0.9 m/h) has been used.

CHAPTER FOUR

4. DESIGN OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

Depending on the constituents that must be removed, an almost limitless number of different
flowsheets can be developed using unit operations and processes. In the study, there are two
types of proposed flowsheet for soap wastewater treatment. In order to design wastewater
treatment plant, it is necessary to determine the design discharge. In this study, the discharge
from soap wastewater is considered for the treatment plant. According to wastewater generation

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standards, 1 kilogram (1kg) of soap produces 23.4L of wastewater. The soap production per day
is 25424 kg. Therefore, wastewater flow rate from soap industry is 595 m3/day. Based on the
characteristics of soap wastewater, the appropriate treatment process such as neutralization,
anaerobic process, alum dosing and flocculation, primary settling, activated sludge processes are
chosen and designed according to their respective design criteria to obtain the acceptable
wastewater quality of into public sewers Indian Standards. In secondary treatment, activated
sludge process (suspended growth process) is used. In this process includes aeration tank,
secondary clarifier and returned sludge line. The proposal 1 for the treatment plant of soap
industry is shown in figure 2.
FIGURE 2:: Treatment plant of soap industry

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FIGURE 2:: Treatment plant of soap industry

1. Design of Collection and Neutralization Tank

Raw wastewater from the industry flows into the collection tank. In this study, collection tank is
considered as tank on ground with concrete. For the design of the collection tank, wastewater is
stored for 1hrs. Dimension of tank is 2 m × 8.5 m × 1.5 m. For the design of neutralization tank,
wastewater is passed for 6 minutes with the average air rate (0.6 m3/min-m2). Dimension of tank
is 1 m × 1 m × 2.5 m.

2. Design of Up flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB)

To keep the blanket in suspension, an up-flow velocity of 2 to 3 ft/h (0.6 to 0.9 m/h) has been
used with retention time (4 hours). Dimension of tank is 5 m diameter and 4.95 m depth. After
passing this tank, the effluent BOD and COD are 4300 mg/l with removal efficiency (90%) and
9920 mg/l with removal efficiency (90%).

4. Design of Alum Dosage Per Day

The required dosage of alum varies from 75mg/l – 250 mg/l depending upon the condition [2].
Chemical precipitation (alum coagulant) can be removed from 40 to70% of BOD, 80 to 90% of
solids is 1512 mg/l and effluent COD is 5456 mg/l . Alum is in more use than other coagulants
because it is very cheap. It reduces taste and odor in addition to turbidity. Alum required per day
is 59.5 kg/day.

4. Design of Flocculation Tank

Flocculation is an essential operation designed to force agitation in the fluid and induced
coagulation. For the design of flocculation tank, wastewater is passed for 30 minutes. Dimension
of tank is 4 m × 2 m × 1.5 m and provide revolving paddles attached to two horizontal shafts
transverse to basin length. Let each shaft should be located at mid depth of tank. Let provide
three paddles to each shaft. Paddle size is 0.03 m wide and each of length 1 m with 31 watts of
power requirement.

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5. Design of Primary Sedimentation Tank

Sedimentation tanks are designed to reduce the velocity of flow so as to permit suspended solids
to settle out of water by gravity. In this study, the circular shaped primary sedimentation tank is
used radically flow. Dimension of tank is 4.5 m diameter and 3 m depth with detention time (2
hours). The effluent BOD, COD and SS become 1118 mg/l, 3546 mg/l and 403 mg/l respectively.

6. Design of Aeration Tank

It is a biological treatment process in which biologically activated mass, called activated sludge
is continuously mixed with the sewage flow in the aeration basin in the presence of oxygen. The
oxygen is supplied to the mixed liquor either by diffused compressed air or by mechanical
aeration. In the study, conventional activated sludge process is used. Conventional activated
sludge processes can be removed 80 to 95 % of BOD, 80 to 90 % of suspended solids, 80-85 %
of COD and 10- 25 % of phosphorus. Tank dimension is 6.5 m × 38 m × 4.5 m. Total air required
is 16 m3/min. Standard diffuser plates of 0.3 m × 0.3 m × 25 mm passing 1.2 m3 of air/m2 with
pore sizes of 0.3 mm are chosen. Total number of plates is 148 plates.

7. Design of Secondary Sedimentation Tank

In conventional activated sludge process, the aeration tank is followed by the secondary
sedimentation tank. Tank dimension is 4 m diameter and 4.5 m depth with detention time (2.28
hours). The final effluent of BOD is 347 mg/l with 69 % removal efficiency .

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CHAPTER FIVE
5.EXPECTED OUTCOME
Wastewater Treatment in the Soap and Detergent Industry

The soap and detergent industry generates wastewater containing high levels of organic matter,
surfactants, oils, greases, and suspended solids. Effective treatment of this wastewater is crucial
to meet regulatory standards, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance sustainability. Below
are key aspects of wastewater treatment in this industry:
1. Reduction in Pollutant Levels to Meet Regulatory Standards
Regulatory standards for wastewater discharge are set by government authorities (like the EPA,
local environmental agencies, etc.) to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health. The main
pollutants in soap and detergent wastewater include:
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) & Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): High levels of organic
compounds that require treatment.
Surfactants & Phosphates: Harmful to aquatic life and can cause eutrophication in water
bodies.Oils, Greases, and Suspended Solids: Clog systems and harm aquatic organisms.pH
Imbalances & Toxicity: Can disrupt natural water ecosystems.
Treatment Technologies
Primary Treatment: Removal of large particles and suspended solids using screening,
sedimentation, and skimming.

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Secondary Treatment: Biological processes (aerobic/anaerobic) break down organic pollutants,

reducing COD and BOD. Techniques like activated sludge, biofilters, and membrane bioreactors
(MBRs) are common.
Tertiary Treatment: Advanced methods, including chemical coagulation, activated carbon
filtration, and ozonation, remove surfactants, phosphates, and trace pollutants.pH Neutralization:
Addition of acids or bases to ensure discharge pH is within permissible limits.
2. Potential for Water Reuse or Resource Recovery
Wastewater from the soap and detergent industry, once treated, can be reused for several
purposes or serve as a source of valuable resources:
Water Reuse: Treated water can be used for non-potable purposes, such as cooling, cleaning, or
equipment washing, reducing water consumption and operating costs.

Resource Recovery:
Biogas Production: Anaerobic digestion of sludge produces methane, which can be used as an
energy source to power treatment operations or reduce energy costs.
Nutrient Recovery: Phosphorus and nitrogen recovery from wastewater can be used to create
fertilizers.
Heat Recovery: Wastewater with high temperatures can be a source of thermal energy, which can
be used for heating processes.
3. Environmental Benefits and Contributions to Sustainability
Wastewater treatment in the soap and detergent industry supports environmental protection,
resource efficiency, and sustainable development in the following ways:
Reduced Pollution: Meeting discharge standards ensures that toxic substances (like surfactants
and phosphates) do not harm aquatic ecosystems.
Lower Water Demand: Water reuse reduces the need for freshwater withdrawal, supporting water
conservation.
Energy Production: Biogas generation through anaerobic digestion offsets fossil fuel use,
reducing carbon emissions.
Circular Economy: Nutrient and energy recovery contribute to a circular economy, promoting
resource efficiency.

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Compliance with ESG Goals: Companies that adopt sustainable wastewater management align
with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, enhancing their brand image and
social responsibility.
Effective wastewater treatment in the soap and detergent industry is essential to reduce
pollutants, recover valuable resources, and contribute to environmental sustainability. It helps
meet regulatory standards, supports water reuse, and aligns with circular economy principles. By
adopting advanced treatment technologies, companies can reduce environmental impacts while
also achieving operational and cost efficiencies.

Economic Analysis

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CHAPTER SIX
6. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

From the test result, the value of BOD, COD, suspended solids and total dissolved solids are
43000 mg/l, 99200 mg/l, 10080 mg/l and 40300 mg/l respectively. These are high content over
the limit for public sewer of Indian Standard. Based on the characteristics, the appropriate
treatment processes are chosen to design the soap wastewater treatment plant. In the study, two
types of treatment processes are considered. In proposal 1 includes neutralization, anaerobic
process, alum dosing and flocculation, primary settling, activated sludge processes. After passing
through the treatment process, the effluent of BOD, COD and SS become 347 mg/l, 3546 mg/l
and 403 mg/l respectively. In proposal 2 includes screening, alum dosing and flocculation,
primary settling, trickling filter, aeration tank and secondary sedimentation tank. After passing
treatment plant, the effluent BOD, COD and SS become 347 mg/l, 7092.8 mg/l and 117.25 mg/l
respectively. The effluent BOD of two types of treatment is the same with the value of 347 mg/l.
But the effluent COD of the first treatment process is lower than the alkalinity for the soap
wastewater. Finally, the results of effluent are within the BOD (350 mg/l), COD (10000 mg/l),
SS
(600 mg/l) and dissolved solids (2100 mg/l) for disposal into public sewer of Indian Standard.

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REFERENCES

[1] Metcalf & Eddy, third edition, “Wastewater Engineering Treatment, Disposal, Reuses”,
Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi, 1995.
[2] W. Wesley Eckenfelder, Jr, second edition, 1989, “Industrial Wate Pollution Control”,
Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited.
[3] Lawrence K. Wang, 2006 by Taylor & Francis Group, “Treatment of Soap and Detergent
Industry Wastes”, The Cooper Union, New York, U.S.A.
[4] Mark J Hammer Jr. fourth edition, “Water and Wastewater Technology”, Prentic- Hall of
India Private Limited, New Delhi, 2003.
[5] “Environmental Engineering” for B.E course (Department of Technical and Vocational
Education).
[6] “Environmental Engineering” for B. Tech course (Department of Technical and
Vocational Education).

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