Block Rubber Wastewater Treatment Process Using an Aerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor and Filtration Process

Block rubber wastewater contains high levels of organic matter, sulfate, and ammonia. This study focused on optimizing the performance of an aerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) for treating block rubber wastewater using indigenous microorganisms. The effects of organic loading rate (OLR) and initial mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) were evaluated. The optimal treatment was achieved at an OLR of 500 mg L^-1 day^-1 and an initial MLVSS of 3000 mg L^-1. Under this condition, the system removed 97.51% of chemical oxygen demand and 54.63% of sulfate. An integrated post-treatment filtration was applied, consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, activated carbon, and anion exchange resin. The integrated ASBR and filtration process offers a sustainable solution for managing rubber wastewater in Southeast Asia, where rubber production is a key industry.