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Industrial processes produce effluent with extreme levels of chemical, biological, metallic, and metalloid pollutants, depending on the industry, of course. Environmental and quality standards maintain a strict level of adherence before it can be released back into the environment or discharged to the municipal drainage system, hence the importance of industrial wastewater treatment. Wastewater produced from industrial processes is a byproduct of different undertakings on a large commercial scale, producing effluent high in various contaminants that are harmful to people, animal species, and the overall environment. Therefore, treatment mechanisms need to be implemented for purification that meets environmental standards. If you ever wondered which industries benefit from industrial wastewater treatment and why it is important, read on to find out more. Here are some of the predominant benefits of treating industrial wastewater: Removal of contaminants: It removes overall contaminants such as chemicals, dissolved solids, and other pollutants to produce effluent of great quality. Environmental protection: the high levels of contaminants can cause harm to the ecosystem if wastewater is discharged without prior treatment. So, treatment methods purify water to meet environmental standards and protect the ecosystem. Reduce the overall water supply costs: Some purification methods are so effective that the water can be reused, reducing the general water supply costs. Effluent From Different Industries The resultant production of wastewater is due to different commercial and industrial processes such as manufacturing, purification of volatile substances using evaporation and condensation, and chemical processes, to mention a few. Some of those industries include: Textile industries: contain great levels of bleaches, flame retardant chemicals, dyes, and, in some cases, insecticides. Mining sector: produces acidic effluent heavily infused with metals and metalloids, like iron and manganese. Agricultural sector: Contaminants from the agricultural sector include pesticides, herbicides, salts, and other chemicals. Food and beverage industries: effluent from this sector has extreme levels of fats, oils, grease, total suspended solids, agricultural chemicals, and bacteria, among others. Methods of Industrial Wastewater Treatment There are various treatment methods to choose from, some are as follows: Reverse Osmosis (RO) Purifies wastewater by removing up to 99% of ions, heavy metals, bacteria, dissolved solids, and impurities. The RO system utilises high pressure to drive water through a semipermeable membrane, leaving behind impurities and contaminants. Downflow Gas Contactor Contaminated air, gas and absorbent liquids are introduced into the system simultaneously at a high velocity, causing extreme turbulence and mixing. This method removes gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and ozone from liquid waste and separates solids from microbubbles. Turbulent force causes liquid-gas dispersion. The gases and other impurities are then captured in absorbent liquid, which is disposed of safely. Forward Osmosis Forward osmosis industrial wastewater treatment relies on high osmotic pressure to drive water through the semipermeable membrane, while leaving behind impurities and contaminants. Forward osmosis relies on osmotic pressure difference, while RO requires hydraulic pressure that is greater than osmotic pressure. Forward osmosis is effective for the treatment of effluent with high salinity. UV Disinfection The purification process involves a series of steps, depending on the desired quality outcome and the type of impurities. UV disinfection takes place at a much later stage, and it removes microbiological contamination by destroying the DNA of any remaining organisms to prevent further reproduction. Commercial and industrial processes produce effluent with high levels of toxins and contaminants that require special industrial wastewater treatment. The kind of system applicable to a specific industry can be recommended by a reputable company to ensure hassle-free operation. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation and water treatment equipment for industrial wastewater treatment, including reverse osmosis water systems. Bringing together a host of experience and specialist knowledge, the company is committed to building and maintaining long-term relationships and creating maximum value and benefit for their customers.
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