Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry

Modification of a Wastewater Decontamination Station: Chemical, Eco Toxicological, and Technical-Economic Impacts

Abstract

Nadia Morin-Crini, Euvrard E, Cornu J, Hutinet X, Sophie G, Céline L, Winterton P and Crini G

In Europe, industry, and especially the surface treatment and finishing sector considered as one of the major polluters, must continue to reduce pollution outflow from their plants in accordance with the water framework directive (WFD 2000/60/EC). In this paper, we proposed to modify a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of a company powder coating on aluminium with the aim to reduce the pollutant flux. The different reactions used for the treatment of the metals and anions were studied: First, we conducted laboratory tests, which, once approved by the company, were then transposed to the industrial scale. We describe the results in terms of chemical abatement after modification. In addition, to compare and to evaluate the toxicity of the effluents before and after modification, two ecotoxicological tests were performed. Overall, a technical-economic study confirmed the utility of the chemical modifications carried out.