Antje Kersten

Reduction of organic trace compounds and fresh water consumption by recovery of advanced oxidation processes treated industrial wastewater

Ozone (O(3)) has been used successfully in advanced wastewater treatment in paper mills, other sectors and municipalities. To solve the water problems of regions lacking fresh water, wastewater treated by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can substitute fresh water in highly water-consuming industries. Results of this study have shown that paper strength properties are not impaired and whiteness is slightly impaired only when reusing paper mill wastewater. Furthermore, organic trace compounds are becoming an issue in the German paper industry. The results of this study have shown that AOPs are capable of improving wastewater quality by reducing organic load, colour and organic trace compounds.

Mineral Oil in Board and Paper Recycling

Paper for recycling is the most important fibre raw material of the German paper industry. 16.3 Mio t of paper for recycling was utilised in 2010 corresponding to 72% of the total fibre raw material input for paper and board production. In comparison to the used virgin fibre-based chemical and mechanical pulp, the utilised amount of paper for recycling is about 2.6 times higher.