ABSTRACT
Textile industry wastewater (TIWW) is characterized by its dark colour, high pH, BOD, COD, TDS, TOC, sulphate, phosphate, chloride and nitrate. TIWW contains various dyes, pesticides, surfactants, volatile organic compounds, pentachlorophenol, phthalates, polyaromatic biphenyls and finishing agents. TIWW also has metals (Cr, Cd, As, Pb, Sb, Ni and Zn). TIWW is highly toxic to environment and living beings. It also reduces seed germination and biomass production of plants. Hence, TIWW requires adequate treatment before being discharged into the environment. The physico-chemical methods, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and biological methods are used in the treatment of TIWW. Physico-chemical methods are only efficient in colour removal and are not suitable. AOPs and biological methods are effective in degrading or mineralizing pollutants. Further, the combination of AOPs and biological treatments is more effective in the remediation of pollutants. Thus, this chapter provides a piece of detailed knowledge about wastewater generation, its nature and pollutants. It deals with the various toxic effects on the environment and living organisms. It also describes the various existing and emerging treatment technologies for the treatment of TIWW, their challenges and recommendations.
