Determination of Microwave Irradiation Impact on Wastewater Derived from Newspaper Recycling

Aim of study: This study investigates the effects of microwave (MW) technology pre-treatment followed by centrifugation on reducing the harmful environmental impacts of wastewater generated from newspaper recycling.Area of study: The study was carried out in a laboratory environment.Material and method: Wastewater samples underwent MW pre-treatment at four power levels (90-360 W) for 10-60 seconds, followed by centrifugation at 1000-4000 rpm. Various parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, oxidation-reduction potential, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, FT-IR, and UV-Vis, were analyzed.Main results: MW pre-treatment increased centrifuge efficiency by accelerating the settling of pollutants. Suspended solids were reduced by up to 78.4%, reaching 8 mg/L at 360 W and 60 seconds MW conditions. COD levels were significantly reduced with a minimum value of 285 mg/L recorded at 360 W 60 seconds and 4000 rpm. These significant reductions in suspended solids and COD demonstrated the effectiveness of MW pretreatment.Research highlights: MW offers an important pre-treatment process for environmentally friendly wastewater treatment methods by accelerating the settling of pollutants. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing important insights into the role of MW technology in wastewater management.