Particle size distribution as an emerging tool for the analysis of wastewater

Abstract

The technologies for analysis of wastewater contaminants have recently experienced rapid advancement. One of these technologies, with high potential in wastewater treatment is the analysis of the particle size distribution (PSD) of contaminants. However, there are no detailed documented studies on the application of this technique. This study aimed at critically reviewing the technologies for PSD analysis and the application of chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractionation analysis for the characterisation of municipal wastewaters. The suitability of the PSD technology for wastewater depends on the type of wastewater and its treatment process applied. Despite the advancements in PSD technologies, many researchers and industrialists are yet to utilise PSD analysis for wastewater. It is possible to use PSD to map out the foulants distribution for optimal design of membrane treatment of municipal and other wastewaters. Biological processes increase colloidal particles which are predominantly responsible for membrane fouling. There should be more investigations on how di ff erent wastewater treatment processes alter the PSD of contaminants. More usage of PSD analysis will lead to faster and more optimal designs of the treatment processes for the removal of contaminants. It will also have great usage in the process design for the recovery of useful products from the wastewaters.