Waste water, recovery organic matter

Cold-pressed essential oils from the peel are some of the most important by-products recovered during the processing of Citrus fruits. The presence of limonene in the aqueous discharges, with its antimicrobial activity [1], decreases the effectiveness of the waste treatment system and increases the time necessary for the biological breakdown of the organic matter produced in the peel oil recovery system [2,3]. Additional recovery of essential oils from waste water would increase industry s returns and reduce the pollution problems associated with the disposal of waste water [4,5]. Several methods for reducing the levels of residual essential oils in the aqueous effluent have been developed over the years [6-11]. 

The recovery of iodine from waste liquids.—E. Beilsteini2 recovered iodine from laboratory residues by evaporation to dryness with an excess of sodium carbonate and calcination until the organic matter is all oxidized. The mass is dissolved in sulphuric acid and treated with the nitrous fumes, obtained by treating starch with nitric acid, until all the iodine is precipitated. The iodine is washed in cold water, dried over sulphuric acid, and sublimed. Other oxidizing agents less unpleasant than the nitrous fumes employed by F. Beil stein—e.g. hydrogen peroxide—-were recommended by G. Torossian for the residues obtained in copper titrations. F. Beilstein s process is applicable to soluble but not to insoluble, oxidized forms of ioffine. F. D. Chattaway... 

Thirty-four minor and trace elements are of potential environmental concern (n ). Sulfur is the element of major concern due to its abundance in flue gases from some coal-burning plants and its subsequent contribution to "acid rain." Sulfur as acidic ions of sulfate can also contribute to pollution of surface water and groundwater. Other elements of greatest concern are As, B, Cd, Pb, Hg, Mo, and Se. With the exception of B and Se, these elements are strongly associated with mineral matter in the coal and are concentrated in waste piles from coal preparation plants. If the waste disposal site is not constructed as a closed system, pollution of nearby groundwater is possible. Boron and Se may contribute to the pollution risk as they are associated with both mineral and organic components. On the other hand, certain coal-mine wastes have potential for recovery of valuable metals such as zinc and cadmium (18). 

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