Optimization of Process Parameters for Decolorization of Anaerobically Digested Molasses Spent Wash (Msw) Using Aspergillus Niger and Actived Carbon

Abstract

Discharge of colored industrial efflu ent i.n water str ea msor on to the land is a matter of great concern as it is firstperception to be noticed by th e receptor. Molasses basedalcohol produ c in g di st ille ri es ge nerate characteristicallydark brown co lor due to th e presence of rn elanoidinpigment which is not only th e ca use of aestheticaldispleasure but also hav in g harmful consequen ce due to itsrecalcitrant nature. In the pr ese nt study, we did the initialcharact er ization followed by batch mode studi e u ingactivated carbon and Aspergillus niger to decolori zeanaerobically dige s ted MSW. We found thatdecolorization efficiency of activated wood saw dust wasup to 99 %, at adso rbent do sage of 5g/l 00 ml of effluent,pH 7, and contact time of30 minutes at room temperature.Wberea A. nig er s how ed its ability to d eco lorizeanaerob ic a ll y di gested MSW up to 71 % at day 4, wheneffluent was diluted at th e rate of 50 %, supplemented withextern al carbon (3% gluco e) and phosphate source (0.1%K 2HP04)