Abstract

In the present work, a two-step sequential method employing copper sulfate (CuSO4) and Pseudomonas putida
as treatment materials was investigated to remove color and phenols from paper industry wastewater. The
wastewater was first subjected to precipitation treatment using CuSO4, which removed 96% and 52% of initial
color and phenols, respectively. However, this treatment induced 65 mgL−1 of residual Cu(II) concentrations in
treated water. The water treated by CuSO4 was later subjected to treatment with the bacteria, P. putida, which
further reduced the color and phenols to below disposable levels. Interestingly, the latter treatment also reduced
residual Cu(II) ions to below safe disposal level of 1.0 mg L−1. The study concludes that the proposed two-step
sequential treatment involving CuSO4 and P. putida may be effectively used as an alternative tertiary treatment
method for the remediation of color and toxic phenols from paper industry wastewater.