Treatment of kitchen grey water by ceramic filter and optimization using Response surface methodology

Abstract Water contamination is a major global threat, which requires effective treatment methodologies and monitoring to preserve precious resources of water. In comparison to other sides of environmental sanitation, grey water has traditionally received less attention. Kitchen grey water (KGW) is one of the largest wastewater discharged into the water bodies directly. The present study investigated the ability of waste ceramic filtration for the treatment of KGW. The treatment system was designed with ceramic wastes that are used in household applications. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and ceramic particle size. Total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity were reduced effectively by ceramic filter media. The maximum percentage removal of TOC, COD, TSS and turbidity were 66, 60, 70 and 72%, respectively, for the 120 min HRT and 0.25 mm particle size.