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Environmental regulations require manufacturing companies to employ purification methods for liquid waste before discharging it into the environment or the municipal drainage system. Industrial wastewater treatment is vital to ensure purification, by removing harmful contaminants and toxins that could otherwise be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. Unfortunately, nothing can be guaranteed to be perfect, including wastewater treatment systems. As crucial and beneficial as they are, they come with lots of challenges that may pose financial losses if not properly planned for and managed. Here are some to consider. Chemical and Plant Costs Plant costs can be two-fold: installation of a new system or upgrading old models which may not be efficient in modern times. In addition, the space required needs to be considered and monitored. Whatever the case, the costs associated with industrial wastewater treatment systems can be significant, requiring meticulous planning. Another issue is the cost of chemicals used to separate contaminants and toxins from wastewater. Examples of those chemicals include pH adjusters, coagulants, and flocculants. Challenges include increased purchasing and managing costs, supply, or availability in the market. Facilities and Technology Required Efficient purification of liquid waste requires exceptionally advanced technology, especially if it contains high levels of pollutants. Some of these methods include advanced oxidation processes, biological nutrient removal, and membrane filtration, which utilises processes such as reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration. All these methods require specialised facilities tailored for the type of contaminants present in liquid waste. Energy Consumption Most industrial wastewater treatment systems require large amounts of energy to carry out different processes, and this can significantly increase operational costs. Some energy-consuming processes include pumping, mixing, aeration, and heating. For example, some biological processes, such as active sludge treatment, require the addition of large amounts of oxygen using aeration blowers. This can be energy-intensive, as it also involves other processes in addition to aeration. Dealing with Sludge Sludge is residue material as a result of wastewater treatment that can either be solid, semi-solid, or slurry. This sludge still contains some harmful contaminants and it is, therefore, the treatment company’s responsibility to manage it accordingly. It might require further purification, dewatering and disposal, and all these increase costs and require environmental consideration for lawful disposal. Staffing Operating a treatment plant requires highly skilled professionals in areas such as biology, chemistry, engineering, and environmental management. Depending on individual needs, it may be necessary to run the facilities 24 hours a day, all year. Finding skilled employees to operate and maintain the system can be a great challenge. It may also be necessary to conduct ongoing training. Compliance In the UK, the Environmental Agency provides regulations that companies need to adhere to in order to comply with discharge levels of effluent that is safe for the environment. Failure to comply can result in hefty penalties, bad reputation, and loss of revenue. To adhere to regulations, ongoing monitoring and adjustment of the purification process when necessary is essential. Industrial wastewater treatment facilities are beneficial for purifying liquid waste that could otherwise be harmful to the ecosystem. However, there are some challenges associated with these systems that can lead to loss of revenue and increased operational costs if not planned accordingly. Consulting a reputable company experienced in various liquid waste purification system installations, regular maintenance, and professional advice will save cost and time in the long run. 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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