Technical Bulletin No. 0635: Physicochemical Treatment of Bleach Plant Filtrates and Final Effluents for the Reduction of Chlorinated Organic Compounds

Three physicochemical treatment technologies (alum, powdered activated carbon, and an ion exchange adsorbent, SorbPlus) were applied to softwood bleach plant filtrates and final effluents collected at three bleach kraft mills with existing biological wastewater treatment facilities. Testing was performed on a bench-scale basis to develop basic treatability data regarding the removal of chlorinated phenolic compounds and AOX by each of the treatment technologies investigated. The results of this screening study indicate that AOX removal efficiencies on the order of 40 to 80 percent are achievable by physicochemical treatment.