Effluent treatment in textile processing: Part I—Bleaching of cotton fabric

Abstract

Bleaching of cotton fabric has been carried out by various formulations (Formulations I-VI) with a view to have easily treatable effluent of reduced volume. It is observed that Formulation VI is the most efficient processing sequence wherein the bleaching time is reduced from 18 h in a conventional method to just 5 h, thereby enhancing the product ion

three folds. The number of washings is also reduced from 8 to only 3, giving considerable saving in water consumption apart from reducing the effluent load by over 59%. Steam, electricity, and overall savings in Formulation VI are 67%, 72% and 33.8% respectively when compared to those in the conventional bleaching process. The new process is totally eco- friendly as it avoids the use of any of the chlorine-based bleaching agents or chemicals.