Molecular Weight Distribution of Pretreated MDF Wastewater
International Journal of Environmental Research, cilt.20, sa.4, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 20 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s41742-026-01159-5
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Environmental Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Environment Index, Geobase, Zoological Record, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: MDF wastewater, Membrane filtration, Microfiltration, Molecular weight distribution, Nanofiltration
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) production generates highly loaded wastewater with complex organic pollutants that challenge conventional treatment systems, yet the size-based characterization of these pollutants remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of wastewater generated from a MDF production facility to better understand the size and nature of organic pollutants and to identify suitable treatment methods. Sequential membrane filtration was performed using microfiltration (MF)–nanofiltration (NF) membranes with different separation ranges, and the filtrates were analyzed for key water quality parameters. Results indicated that approximately 55% of the total COD was associated with particles larger than 5 μm, while more than 80% of the COD originated from fractions larger than 0.05 μm. Similarly, over 90% of turbidity and approximately 82% of color were associated with particulate and colloidal fractions. These findings demonstrate that the organic load in MDF wastewater is predominantly associated with suspended solids and high-molecular-weight organics. The results suggest that membrane treatment strategies targeting particulate and colloidal fractions, such as MF followed by tighter membranes, have strong potential for effective COD reduction. Overall, the study provides new insight into the size-based characteristics of MDF wastewater and supports the selection of appropriate treatment strategies for wood-based industrial effluents.