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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Expanding the scope of water analysis: Employing multi-parameter evaluation to enhance understanding of wastewater assessment in the paper industry
Authors
Bhuvnesh Swami, Ram Kumar
Abstract
The pulp and paper industry produces
substantial volumes of wastewater infused with hazardous organic compounds and
heavy metals, presenting significant environmental and health risks. This
research offers an extensive physicochemical analysis and GC-MS identification
of organic contaminants present in the effluent from K.R. Pulp and Papers
Limited, India. Wastewater samples underwent analysis in accordance with APHA
standard methods, uncovering significantly elevated pollution loads. The
Biochemical Oxygen Demand was found to range from 3,653 to 4,180 mg L⁻¹, while
the Chemical Oxygen Demand ranged from 17,890 to 19,100 mg L⁻¹. The BOD/COD
ratio of less than 0.2 substantiates the resistant characteristics of the
organic matter. Lignin concentrations ranging from 38,950 to 39,000 mg L⁻¹,
alongside total phenol levels of 389 to 432 mg L⁻¹ were identified as
contributors to toxicity. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of eight
predominant organic compounds: Nonacosane (18.2%), Heptacosane (15.6%), Fatty
acids (15.2%), Octadecanoic Acid (12.8%), Hexadecane (10.4%), a complex
nitrogen compound (8.7%), Phthalic acid esters (6.3%), along with a variety of
other organic compounds (12.8%). The research clearly demonstrates that the
effluent presents significant toxicological risks to both aquatic ecosystems
and human health, highlighting the urgent need for the adoption of advanced
treatment technologies and more stringent regulatory measures for sustainable
management of industrial wastewater.
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Pages:1-8
How to cite this article:
Bhuvnesh Swami, Ram Kumar "Expanding the scope of water analysis: Employing multi-parameter evaluation to enhance understanding of wastewater assessment in the paper industry". International Journal of Biology Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 1-8
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