Technical Bulletin No. 0024: Report on Semi-chemical Wastes

A summary of the first year's studies conducted at Virginia Polytechnic Institute on semi-chemical pulping wastes is presented herein. This includes a bibliography, considerable data on the physical, chemical and pollutional characteristics of the wastes as well as a broad exploration of possible treatment methods. Oxygen demand, due mainly to acetates, color caused by lignins and tannins and fine suspended wood debris appear to be the major objectionable components. Processes whereby one or more of these can be reduced economically and to a considerable degree will be sought in future studies guided by the exploratory research.