Industrial wastewater treatment is a crucial process that aims to remove pollutants and contaminants from the wastewater generated by industrial activities before it is released into the environment or returned to the water cycle. Industrial wastewater can contain a wide range of pollutants, including organic and inorganic substances, heavy metals, suspended solids, oils, chemicals, and more. The treatment process varies depending on the nature of the pollutants and the specific industry involved.

The specific treatment process and technologies employed depend on factors such as the type of industry, the pollutants present, the volume of wastewater generated, and local environmental regulations. Customized treatment solutions are often developed to address the unique challenges posed by each industrial sector.

Lead, mercury, zinc, aluminum, arsenic, nickel, chromium, and cobalt are just a few examples of the heavy metals that are frequently found in the environment due to both industrial and natural sources. In many different industries, synthetic dyes are frequently utilized for printing and dyeing purposes. Chemical precipitation, ion exchange, adsorption, membrane processes, and evaporation are the conventional techniques for removing heavy metals and dyes from wastewater, however these techniques have substantial startup and operating costs.

A promising alternative source for adsorption is activated carbon made from agricultural waste and its byproducts since it is inexpensive, renewable, has a high carbon content, low ash content, and a reasonable hardness.