Supplementary Treatment of Wastewater by Using Ecological Lime Derived from Eggshell Waste: a New Sustainable Strategy for Safe Reuse

Abstract

Wastewater from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) often requires further treatment before it can be safely reused. Lime is a common and affordable material used for this purpose, but its production can generate significant environmental impacts. This study developed an eco-friendly and effective lime substitute from eggshell waste for wastewater treatment. First, pre-treated wastewater effluent from WWTP El Jadida, Morocco, was collected and characterized. It was found that COD, BOD 5 , and TSS values showed non-conformity from Moroccan discharge standards, as well as high concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), silver (Ag), beryllium (Be), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co). These pollutants represent a potential risk to human health and the environmental ecosystem. To reduce this pollution, the optimal mass of lime powder obtained by thermal treatment of eggshell waste was determined by testing a concentration series of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 g•L -1 . The findings confirmed that the addition of the optimal dose of prepared lime (24 g•L -1 ) resulted in a significant reduction in pollution parameters, with abatement rates of 77% for BOD 5 , 63% for COD and 66% for TSS, respectively. Furthermore, the eco-friendly lime substitute also showed promise in reducing the colorization rate for dyes by 84% and removing heavy metals through precipitation. However, the generated by-product loaded with toxic pollutants should be encapsulated in eco-materials to ensure safe operation and contribute to a sustainable management strategy for wastewater treatment.