Multi-media filtration
for pollutant removal in mud crab hatchery wastewater
Che Harun Mohammad Hakim, Hamzah Sofiah, Mohd Daud Filzah Zahirah, Yatim Norhafiza
Ilyana and Ali Nora'aini
Res. J. Chem. Environ; Vol. 25(8); 60-66;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/258rjce6066; (2021)
Abstract
Aquaculture wastewater consists of uneaten fish feed, faeces other excrement and
chemical waste. Discharge of aquaculture wastewater directly into the water stream
without treatment can harm the ecosystem. Thus, this study aimed to develop a low-cost
filtration system for the treatment of mud crab hatchery wastewater. Sponge was
used to pre-treat the wastewater mainly to remove larger particles and suspended
solids. Sand and zeolite (with and without heat treatment) were used as filter media
for the treatment process. FTIR and SEM analysis determined the morphology and surface
chemistry of zeolite which acted as an adsorbent in this process.
The physical (temperature, TSS and turbidity) and chemical characteristics (pH,
ammonia, TDS and DO) of raw wastewater were determined. The removal efficiency of
pollutant for each media used in the filtration system was assessed. From observation,
it showed that filter media with heat treatment induced better pollutant removal
compared to untreated media. It successfully removed TSS, ammonia and turbidity
of wastewater around 18.8%, 90.7% and 100% respectively. It was concluded that the
filtration media with heat treament is needed for better pollutant removal in the
mud crab hatchery wastewater.
