Paper industry WWTPs face both high water use and complex effluent profile. A paper mill generates 10-100 m³ wastewater per ton of paper — well above industrial average.
Paper effluent BOD 800-3,500 mg/L, COD 2,000-10,000 mg/L, TSS 500-3,000 mg/L. High-MW lignin-derived chromophores and recycled-paper ink residues add complexity.
Arsistek paper sector solutions combine primary fiber recovery (DAF), anaerobic UASB, aerobic activated sludge and color polishing. The anaerobic stage produces biogas covering plant energy needs; recovered fiber returns to production.
Paper Sector Wastewater Characterization
Paper effluents vary widely by production line. Kraft pulping effluent has high lignin/sulfide and AOX (chlorinated organics).
Recycled paper (deinking) effluent has ink, fillers and microplastics with very high color. Tissue production has lower COD but high fiber loss.
Stickies (adhesive residues) clog membranes and pipes. Stickies removal is a key pretreatment.
Fiber Recovery (DAF)
60-80% of TSS is recoverable fiber. Dissolved air flotation (DAF) separates it.
Recovered fiber is reused in kraft or carton production — raw material savings and sludge reduction.
Anaerobic UASB / EGSB
High-COD paper wastewater treated in anaerobic UASB or EGSB at 75-90% COD removal.
Biogas (~65% CH4) covers 20-40% of plant energy via boiler or CHP.
Color and AOX Removal
Color and AOX are the hardest parameters. Lignin derivatives are high-MW chromophores, hard to biodegrade.
Color removal: ozonation, coagulation (PAC/alum) or membrane (NF/UF). Modern plants reach 100-150 Pt-Co.
AOX is reduced at source via ECF/TCF bleaching. Aerobic biology removes 50-70% AOX; GAC for stricter limits.
Paper Sector Solution Advantages
Paper Industry References
8 images coming soon — stay tuned for our reference projects and facility photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern integrated mills use 10-30 m³/ton, older systems 60-100 m³/ton. Water reuse can cut this by 50%.
0.35 m³ biogas (~65% CH4) per kg COD removed. 5,000 m³/day mill effluent yields 6,000-10,000 m³/day biogas, covering major plant energy needs.
DAF-recovered fiber (95%+ purity) is blended into kraft pulp or used in carton/corrugated board. Prevents tons of fiber loss.
Yes. Deinking effluent has ink, polymer fillers, microplastics, stickies. Very high color. Requires additional flotation, micro-flotation and dedicated color removal.
AOX compounds are carcinogenic and persistent. Strict limits (~0.5 mg/L) by EU IPPC and Turkish SKKY. Met via ECF/TCF bleaching + biological + GAC.
UF+RO treated water is reused on wire wash, cooling tower makeup and fresh-stock dilution. Freshwater needs can drop by 50%.