This study was performed to evaluate the alternative improvement plans for removal efficiency of plating wastewater treatment processes with high concentrations of heavy metals and total nitrogen in the influent. The average removal efficiency rates of the existing wastewater treatment plant were 58% of CODcr, 74% of CODmn, 78% of TN, 99% of TP, respectively. However, the concentration of SS (about 250 mg/L) was over the emission standard (120 mg/L). TN and Cu2+ concentrations were over the emission standard; about 62 mg/L and 5.2 mg/L, respectively. Carbon source quantity, fed into the anoxic tank of the biological wastewater treatment process, was controled by calculating the optimum required COD amount for denitrification. The removal efficiency rates of Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+ were achieved using an electrolysis reactor 89%, 89%, and 99%, respectively. Therefore, it was recommended to modify the existing wastewater treatment process including the chemical precipitation to the electrolysis reactor as an efficient and environmentally effective alternative.

• 마심초(대전대학교 환경공학과) | Xin-Chao Ma
• 임봉수(대전대학교 환경공학과) | Bong-Su Lim To whom correspondence should be addressed
• 최찬수(대전대학교 응용화학과) | Chan-Soo Choi