15 Sep
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT IN FOOD CONFECTIONARY WASTE WATER TREATMENT PROCESS
For centuries, managing wastewater was a problem with no discernable solution. Dealing with waste-water usually meant moving it somewhere else, dumping into rivers and streams with Virtually no treatment, or other “out-of-sight-out-of-mind ”solutions ,which in many cases had negative residual effects on people’s health, public infrastructure or the environment. Even as recently as the 1960s and ‘70s, most wastewater was simply drained into lagoons or large ponds. Of course, while this may have provided a simple partial treatment solution to the problem of wastewater, this process also had significant negative impacts on local environments and ecosystems. Entire bodies of water became unusable and the land immediately adjacent could experience odor and other aesthetic issues.
The process of suspended biological growth was born on Friday, the 3rdof April 1914 when two English researchers, Edward Ardern and William Lockett, submitted a report to the Industrial Chemicals Society in London on their work under the title "Experiments on sewer water oxidation without the use of filters ".They observed that if sewage is exposed to air for a sufficient period of time, the organic contents are gradually oxidized with formation of deposits called “humus” and final production of nitrate from ammonium salts and nitrogenous organic matter. They conducted their experiments in 80 oz (2365 ml) and aeration was done by ordinary filter pumps. Their experiments concluded that it was possible to completely oxidize a fresh sample of crude sewage within 24 hrs. The deposited solids resulting from the complete oxidation of sewage was designated as “activated sludge”.
The confectionery industry is one of the most widespread and important industries around the world. It manufactures sweets including chocolate confectionery and gum products which are characterized by significant amounts of sugar and sugar substitutes, cocoa, fats, emulsifiers, and flavors used in the production process (Edwards 2000; El-kalyoubi et al. 2011; García-Morales et al. 2018).
The confectionery industry, which manufactures different sweets including chocolate, chewing gum and gumdrops, is one of the most widespread and important industries worldwide. Sugar, water, and ingredients such as milk, flavouring materials, nuts, and cereals are the most important raw materials for confectionary production.
Confectionery plants produce large amounts of waste- water characterized by high concentrations of readily biodegradable organic materials and low nutrient concentration. The discharge of confectionery wastewater into surface waters results in rapid dissolved oxygen depletion and aquatic ecosystem deterioration because of its high readily biodegradable organic matter content .Therefore, appropriate treatment technologies should be used.
Suspended growth process is a secondary treatment process to remove the soluble and colloidal organic matter which remains after primary treatment. It is the wastewater treatment processes in which the microorganisms and bacteria treating the wastes are suspended in the waste water being treated. The wastes flow around and through the suspended growths. The various modes of the activated sludge process make use of suspended growth reactors. These reactors can be used for BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) removal, nitrification, and denitrification.
Suspended growth processes maintain adequate biological mass in suspension within the liquid in the reactor, by employing either natural or mechanical mixing. The organic matter and other constituents of the wastewater are converted into gases and cell tissues.
The suspended growth systems comprise aggregates of microorganisms generally growing as flocs in intimate contact with the wastewater being treated. The aggregates or flocs are responsible for the removal of polluting material and comprise a wide range of microbial species. The suspended growth treatment systems permit the exploitation of the full range of microbial metabolic capabilities. Waste stabilization ponds, aerated lagoons, and activated sludge are examples of the treatment options that rely on the actions of the microorganisms growing in a suspension of the waste water under treatment. A suspended growth waste water treatment process can be carried out in a biological reactor, which encourages the growth of specific types of microorganisms that are able to undertake the reactions necessary to achieve purification of the influent wastewater. Its successful design requires the provision of a reactor(or series of reactors)of sufficient capacity to retain the wastewater long enough for the microorganisms to undertake the biological inter conversions, facilities to ensure that the microorganisms are retained in the reactor long enough to grow and divide, and the correct redox environment to achieve the required biological reactions.
Anshuman Santra,
Assistant Professor, Institute of Science & Technology.
Civil Engineering Department.
GOPSAI AVINANDAN SANGHA
Editor
World Music Day Celebrating Indias Enduring Sonic Heritage and Its ...
World Music Day, celebrated annually on June 21st, isn't just about listening to tunes, it's a magnificent opportunity to immerse ourselves in the soul-stirring depths of India's profound sonic heritage. This isn't just a day for melodies, it's a global stage to truly appreciate a legacy that has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. From the ancient, resonant echoes of Vedic chants that predate recorded history, to the intricate, emotive landscapes of classical ragas like Hindustani and Carnatic, India's musical journey is a testament to its rich cultural revolution. Imagine the centuries of devotion and discipline poured into perfecting each note, each nuanced phrase, designed not just to entertain but to evoke specific emotions and connect with the divine. The very fabric of Indian classical music has been woven by titans whose names resonate through time. Think of the sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, who brought Indian classical music to the global stage through his iconic collaborations with Western artists like George Harrison. Or the captivating voice of Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi, whose devotion to Carnatic music touched millions. In Hindustani classical, the powerful and soulful renditions of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (Khayal) and the unparalleled mastery of the shehnai by Ustad Bismillah Khan continue to inspire awe. And who can forget the rhythmic genius of tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, who has pushed the boundaries of percussion across genres. Beyond the classical and folk traditions, towering figures have shaped the modern musical landscape. Rabindranath Tagore, India's first Nobel laureate and a true polymath, made an unparalleled contribution through Rabindra Sangeet. He composed over 2,000 songs, blending elements of Hindustani classical, folk melodies, and Western influences, often setting them to his own poetry. Rabindranath Tagore's music is not merely an accompaniment to his words, it's an integral part of his philosophy, expressing a vast range of human emotions, spiritual insights, and love for nature and country. His compositions are a distinct and beloved genre, deeply ingrained in the cultural psyche of Bengal and beyond. But India's musical story isn't confined to grand concert halls. It thrives in the vibrant rhythms of its diverse folk music, echoing across sun-drenched fields, bustling village squares, and festive celebrations. Each region, each community, boasts its own unique musical dialect – from the spirited bhangra of Punjab to the soulful baul songs of Bengal, and the captivating Lavani of Maharashtra. These are the sounds of daily life, of stories passed down through generations, of shared joy and collective spirit. Legendary folk artists like Bhupen Hazarika from Assam, whose poignant songs spoke of humanity and social justice, or the mesmerizing voices of the Nooran Sisters in Sufi music, have ensured these traditions continue to flourish. India's sonic landscape is constantly evolving, embracing innovative fusions of contemporary genres. Modern Indian artists, championed by trailblazers like the Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, are fearlessly blending traditional instruments and melodies with Western influences, creating sounds that are both rooted in heritage and refreshingly new. The golden voices of playback singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi have defined generations of Bollywood music. In current scenario Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Arijit Singh and so many singers showcasing the versatility and emotional depth of Indian vocal artistry. On this World Music Day, let's not just passively listen, but actively recognize and appreciate the intricate melodies, complex rhythmic structures, and the undeniable spiritual depth embedded within Indian music. It's a reminder of its enduring influence, not just on India's own vibrant culture, but on the wider world, inspiring musicians and enchanting audiences across continents.
Tonumoy Bhattacharya
