Ultrafiltration was proven to be a viable unit process for separating adhesives and sealants manufacturing wastewaters into a low volume concentrate stream and a high volume permeate stream. The UF permeate was characterized by the following average contaminant loadings: 100 mg/l total freon extractibles, <7.4 mg/l non-polar freon extractibles, <27 mg/l (typically <5 mg/l) suspended solids, 0.43 mg/l free cyanide, 3.6 mg/l total cyanide, 8,900 mg/l BOD, 36,600 mg/l COD, 44.6 mg/l phenolic compounds and 1.5 mg/l zinc. A treated effluent of this quality is acceptable for discharge under the San Leandro Municipal Discharge Limitations with the exception of the phenolic compound and total cyanide loadings. Surcharges would be imposed, however, based on the suspended solids and BOD loadings. If significant levels of phenolic compounds and cyanide are not present in a particular plant's wastewater discharge, ultrafiltration is judged capable of meeting local Municipal Discharge Standards. When phenolic compounds and cyanide are present at significant levels either ozonation or reverse osmosis are considered the preferred post-treatment processes. None of the treatment system options investigated is considered capable of reducing adhesives and sealants manufacturing plant wastewater BOD and COD loadings to the recommended Effluent Limitations Guidelines.

Includes bibliographical references (page 107). Submitted by the Walden Division of Abcor, inc., and the Dewey and Almy Chemical Division of W.R. Grace and Co. under grant no. Contract Number: S804350010.