Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Theoretical treatment for sodium hydroxide for school project

My problem is what is the proper treatment for our liquid waste w/ sodium hydroxide in it...... hope you could answer this question, this is a question regarding our feasibility study on our panel board plant project in which the waste of our plant is a water w/ sodium hydroxide... use in a process in w/ our raw material for our panel board is RICE STRAW.... it is used to remove the oil residue present in the rice straw so that it could bind properly w/ the cement...... and the water waste or plant might be producing w/c is water w/ sodium hydroxide we fear that might have a negative effect on the environment....

Salon, Gerald Napoleon V.
student - Phillipines
2005

Assuming that there are no metals involved, simple neutralization with an appropriate mineral acid would probably work. In the USA we would have to check for BOD and COD. This is from any oils and whatever might dissolve from the straw. It does not look like a big problem, but it will require some research into BOD and COD testing. You should be able to get that help from a sewer plant or university.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2005