ENHANCED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS FOR SMALL-SCALE INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS IN NIGERIA

Unegbu, Hyginus CO; YAWAS, Danjuma S.; Dan-asabe, Bashar; Alabi, Abdulmumin Akoredeley

doi:10.21608/auej.2025.336016.1733

ENHANCED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS FOR SMALL-SCALE INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS IN NIGERIA

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

10.21608/auej.2025.336016.1733

Abstract

Effective wastewater management is critical for mitigating the environmental impacts of small-scale industries, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where untreated effluents compromise water quality and public health. This study investigated the performance, economic feasibility, and environmental impacts of three enhanced wastewater treatment systems: electrocoagulation, constructed wetlands, and membrane bioreactor (MBR). Results demonstrated that the MBR system provided superior pollutant removal efficiencies, achieving reductions exceeding 90% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS). Electrocoagulation achieved the highest removal efficiency for heavy metals (95.1%), while constructed wetlands emerged as the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution, demonstrating moderate pollutant removal rates and minimal operational costs. Economic analysis revealed that constructed wetlands incurred the lowest installation and operational costs, making them highly accessible to small-scale industries. Electrocoagulation presented moderate operational costs but required frequent electrode maintenance, whereas MBR systems, despite their higher capital and operational expenses, offered unmatched treatment performance suitable for industries with stringent regulatory compliance needs. Life cycle assessment highlighted significant differences in environmental impacts, with constructed wetlands demonstrating the lowest carbon footprint, followed by MBR and electrocoagulation. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches in wastewater management, recommending hybrid configurations, such as integrating electrocoagulation for pre-treatment with MBR or constructed wetlands for secondary treatment. These findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable wastewater management practices, promoting regulatory compliance and enhancing environmental protection in small-scale industrial applications.

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