Assessment of membrane fouling indices during removal of reactive dye from batik wastewater: comparison between real and synthetic solutions

Abstract

Textile industry is one of the main industries in the world. It provides us the basic needs of human. In this industry, dyes are the most important element in order to make garments more attractive. It is among the most environmentally unfriendly elements since it can pollute the environment with dyes and other chemical auxiliaries. Dye pollutants from textile dye industries are an important source of environmental contamination. The number of dyes currently used in the textile industry is about 10,000. It is estimated that 1-155 of the dyes are lost during processes and is released in wastewaters. The release of this coloured wastewater poses a major problem for the industry as well as a threat to the environment. The first noticeable effect in the receiving water is the colour, which not only causes aesthetic impact, but can also interrupt photosynthesis, thus affecting aquatic life. Other effects are related to dye degradation products, including aromatic amines, which are known to be toxic and potentially carcinogenic. Therefore, these wastewaters must be adequately treated before disposal. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of the dye rejection in 'batik' wastewater as well as synthetic solution using ultrafiltration and its membrane fouling index (Modified Fouling Index, MFI). The particle size of the wastewater after the adjustments of the pH value was also analyzed to see the changes in its size. Previous studies have shown that dye pollutants from textile dye industries are an important source of environment contamination and could lead to aesthetic impact as well as interrupting photosynthesis, thus affecting aquatic life. So, filtration of the wastewater is important to keep environment at perfect condition.