STUDY OF METHODS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OF SANITARY WARE PRODUCTION

The research focuses on the study of sedimentation properties and clarification efficiency of wastewater generated during the production of sanitary ceramic products. Wastewater samples, characterized by a significant variability in suspended solids concentration (from 0.28 g/L to 16 g/L), were collected from different production stages. Sample No. 1 (production wastewater) demonstrated high turbidity and a considerable content of fine dispersed particles, while Sample No. 2 (filter press filtrate) showed a low concentration of suspended matter. Gravitational sedimentation experiments revealed that in the absence of chemical treatment, Sample No. 1 did not achieve clarification even after 24 hours of settling, indicating the presence of stable colloidal particles. Application of aluminum sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃) at a dosage of 25 kg/t, along with an anionic flocculant at 375 g/t, significantly improved the sedimentation process. A high initial floc settling velocity of 19.2 mm/s was recorded; however, mechanical agitation caused a tenfold reduction in settling velocity (1.97 mm/s), confirming the low mechanical strength of the formed flocs, typical for suspensions with a high content of clay particles. For Sample No. 2, gravitational sedimentation under natural conditions resulted in the formation of only a minimal sediment layer after 24 hours. Chemical coagulation at a dosage of 400 mg/L facilitated the formation of aggregates, but complete clarification was achieved only after subsequent filtration through filter paper with a pore size of 10 µm. The study emphasizes the necessity of combining chemical coagulation-flocculation with filtration for effective removal of fine suspended solids from ceramic production wastewater. The findings are of practical relevance for the design and optimization of sedimentation and dewatering units at enterprises producing sanitary ware. Additionally, they highlight the importance of strengthening floc structures to enhance the stability and efficiency of the treatment process under operational conditions. The obtained results may be used to improve the efficiency of industrial wastewater treatment technologies and to promote the reuse of clarified water in closed production cycles, contributing to the development of sustainable water management strategies in the construction materials industry.