Evalutation of the physico-chemical properties of effluents from the Mozambique sugar company

Abstract

Wastewater from the sugar industry has complex characteristics and is considered a challenge for environmental engineers in their search for treatment and reuse. The main objective of this study is to determine the physic-chemical characteristics of the waste water from the Mozambique Sugar Plant. The choice is due to the large volumes of water (around 900 m3 /h) that the sugar industry uses in its production processes, as well as the effl uent manage ment model that must be adopted. For this study, samples were taken over a six-month period, every two months, and physical and chemical parameters were analyzed. The results were compared with the regulations (Decree 18/2004) in use in Mozambique and the values estimated by the World Bank in the various articles. With the results obtained, it was possible to suggest the best method for treating these effl uents in a more environmentally friendly way