Measurement of Polymer Concentration and Optimization of Sludge Dewatering Using UV-VIS Spectroscopy

Optimization of conditioning and dewatering processes is a continuing challenge for wastewater treatment plants. This study investigated the use of UV-Vis spectroscopy to measure and optimize the polymer dose during water and wastewater treatment. Residual polymer concentrations were also measured using two other methods (N-Bromination and Dye Method) and results were compared with the UV-Vis method. UV-Vis method was found to be more sensitive than the other methods in environmental samples. In addition, the study established a relationship between the optimum polymer dose and residual polymer concentration in filtrate using UV-Vis absorbance measurements at 190 nm. Results showed that the UV-Vis method could be a potential in-line tool for real-time optimization of polymer dose during sludge dewatering and other processes that rely on coagulation and flocculation of solids.