Dual-Stage Remediation of Heavy Metals in Food Wastewater: Synergistic Application of Surfactant-Enhanced Extraction and Microemulsion

The water quality of Raipur District, Chhattisgarh, India, was comprehensively assessed through the determination of physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations. The study incorporated the use of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a surfactant and microemulsion techniques to enhance the detection and quantification of trace heavy metals. Water samples were collected from various food vending sources within the district (Tamrakar et al., 2022). Parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, and hardness were analyzed alongside lead, cadmium, chromium, and other heavy metals. The water quality was subsequently evaluated using the Water Quality Index (WQI) framework established by Brown et al. (1972). Results indicated varying levels of contamination, particularly concerning heavy metals, which often exceeded permissible limits due to anthropogenic influences (Tamrakar et al., 2022). The application of SDS and microemulsion improved the sensitivity of heavy metal analysis. A comparative assessment with the Brown et al. (1972) WQI provided a robust classification of water suitability, highlighting areas requiring urgent intervention for water resource management.