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Description
The production of textile goods is highly water-consuming. An average is 150 L per 1 kg of textiles. The OECD warns of the need to take real action to reduce the textile industry''s water use. Moreover, the OECD indicates wastewater recycling as the most effective solution leading to closing water cycles creating a sustainable economy. However, textile wastewater is heavily polluted and its treatment is challenging. A fully satisfying treatment for textile wastewater recycling was not so far offered. Therefore, there is a wide field for investigation of new advanced treatment methods. Catalytic ozonation is one of the most explored wastewater treatments within the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The technique seems promising and there is a need to develop a suitable catalyst for industrial use. The crux of innovation within the project is the development of modern supported thin-film catalyst of multi-use industrial potential for enhanced ozone treatment of highly polluted textile wastewater.
The main project issues are the preparation of the catalytic active phase on structured supports by the cold plasma method, investigation of its activity in the ozonation process using the model and real industrial textile wastewater, evaluation of catalyst effectiveness in pollutants and toxicity removal and assessment of industrial applicability by multi-cycle use. The research is planned to be conducted on three levels. Firstly, the fundamental research for catalyst development and basic investigation of its characteristics. Secondly, the industrial investigation for the real textile wastewater ozonation with developed catalysts. Thirdly, experimental development for the possibility of industrial multi-cycle use of catalyst and recycling trials for textile re-dying with purified wastewater. The result of the project will be development of the modern thin-film catalytic systems for industrial water recycling supporting the idea of a closed water loop.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to streamlines textile wastewater treatment through the development and implementation of catalytic ozonation technology, addressing the industry''s significant environmental challenges of high water consumption and pollution. This initiative was pivotal in aligning with global sustainability goals and regulatory requirements, advocated by organizations such as the OECD.
Initially, advanced thin-film catalysts were meticulously developed using plasma-enhanced metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Catalysts containing Fe, Co, Al, and W were specifically optimized for efficient ozonation of textile dyes. Through rigorous characterization and testing against model pollutants like Reactive Black 5 (RB5), Fe2O3 emerged as the most effective catalyst, achieving pollutant removal rates up to 50% higher than traditional ozonation methods. Subsequently, the technology transitioned from laboratory to industrial application. Catalyst production methods were refined for scalability, and catalytic ozonation trials conducted on real industrial wastewater demonstrated a remarkable 40% improvement in treatment efficiency compared to conventional methods. This phase underscored significant reductions in wastewater toxicity and by-products, essential for meeting environmental compliance and protecting ecosystems. The final stage focused on refining and validating the technology for widespread industrial deployment. Pilot-scale trials validated the robustness of the catalytic ozonation process under realistic conditions, achieving Technology Readiness Level 8. The project culminated in patent applications, securing intellectual property rights and laying the groundwork for future commercialization.
Key outcomes include the development of innovative catalysts that enhance pollutant removal efficiency and decrease wastewater toxicity. By enhancing water quality and meeting stringent environmental standards, the project delivers substantial benefits to textile manufacturers by lowering operational costs and ensuring regulatory compliance. For regulators, the technology offers a sustainable approach to mitigate industrial pollution and safeguard ecosystem health.
In summary, the project''s impact extends beyond technological advancements. It establishes catalytic ozonation as a transformative solution in global efforts towards sustainable water management and environmental stewardship.