Treatment of sulfate containing wastewaters using barium salts

Sulfate treatment especially in industrial wastewaters is gaining importance. Chemical precipitation with barium carbonate is an applicable process for removing sulfate if it proves economically feasible. This paper attempts to evaluate the theoretical basis and limitations of the process. Experiments are run on synthetic and industrial wastewaters to verify and discuss the theoretical predictions. Results indicate that theoretical predictions are accurate enough provided that the mechanisms involved and realistic constants can be defined.