Avaliação do potencial de resíduos de caldeira e fibras de coco desidratadas como sistemas filtrantes para efluentes de lavanderia hospitalar

Abstract

The growing concern about the environmental impact of industrial effluents has driven the search for efficient and sustainable solutions for their treatment. In this context, this study evaluates the applicability of boiler residues and dehydrated coconut fibers as adsorbent materials for the removal of pollutants from hospital laundry effluents. The central problem of the research lies in the need for viable and low-cost alternatives for the adsorption of contaminants, reducing the pollutant load before disposal into the environment. The main objective was to analyze the efficiency of these residues in the removal of turbidity from the effluent, as well as to characterize their physicochemical properties to determine their adsorption potential. The methodology adopted included the characterization of the effluent collected at the treatment plant of a hospital laundry, followed by adsorption tests using filtration columns filled with the studied materials. Analyses of pH, turbidity and functional groups present on the surfaces of the adsorbents were performed, in addition to structural characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that the boiler residue presented greater adsorptive efficiency, promoting a reduction of up to 96.15% in the effluent turbidity after 60 minutes of filtration, while the dehydrated coconut fiber achieved a maximum removal of 44.9%. The analysis of the surface of the materials revealed that the boiler residue has greater porosity and predominance of acidic functional groups, characteristics that favor the adsorption of compounds present in the effluent. Coconut fiber, despite presenting lower adsorptive capacity, demonstrated potential for optimization through chemical treatment. It is concluded that the use of these industrial residues as adsorbents constitutes an environmentally sustainable and economically viable alternative for the treatment of hospital laundry effluents, reducing the pollutant load and minimizing environmental impacts. Furthermore, the research reinforces the importance of valuing agro-industrial and industrial waste in the formulation of filtering systems, contributing to the circular economy and the development of more accessible and efficient technologies in the sanitation and industrial effluent management sector.