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Thanks to the advances in the installation of effective effluent treatment plant, industrial wastewater can now be treated right at the source, before discharging it to the environment or into the municipality’s drainage system. We often take clean water for granted, but it doesn’t always come easily… Industrial and manufacturing processes produce a huge amount of liquid waste, which is enriched with toxic contaminants. These can vary according to industry type – for instance, wastewater from agricultural processes has high contents of nitrogen and phosphorus, while food and beverage liquid waste contains biological waste, grease, fats, etc. The liquid waste from the mining industry is heavily infused with metallic and metalloid toxins like iron, copper, cadmium, arsenic, and many more. What is the Importance of an Effluent Treatment Plant for Industrial Wastewater? Imagine being thirsty, and instead of clean, fresh water from your tap, your glass gets filled with black liquid with a foul smell and waste particles. Or you go on a picnic by the lake, and instead, the lake is green-looking and there are dead animals floating around. This would be awful, right? The importance of industrial wastewater treatment and its effects on various aspects of our lives really can’t be overstated, for many reasons. Human safety The industrial effluent treatment plant in most industries purifies wastewater right at the source to adhere to stringent Environmental Agency standards. Wastewater is treated in this manner to reduce excessive toxins that can be harmful for human consumption. Contaminants cause diseases such as cholera and typhoid, while heavy metals cause damage to biological tissues, disrupting chemical processes. Potential health impacts include kidney damage, bone disease, lung and prostate cancer, and a decrease in children’s IQ. Environment safety (toxicity) The effects of untreated industrial wastewater are also detrimental to the environment and the ecosystem at large. When contaminated water is discharged into the environment without prior treatment, it compromises the lives of flora and fauna. In addition, the foul smell also contributes to air pollution, not to mention the unpleasant look of the discoloured wastewater. In 2022, Yahoo Finance in the UK reported the deaths of several animals that drank toxic water from the lake in East London. These are the repercussions of toxic substances. Care of our Water Resources The Environmental Agency outlines different levels that industries must adhere to, depending on the classification of toxins. Properly using an effluent treatment plant installed and maintained by a reputable company ensures adherence to environmental regulations. However, discharging untreated wastewater compromises the integrity of water resources, like wetlands, lagoons, lakes, streams, dams, seas, oceans, and underground aquifers. The presence of toxins in water resources reduces the oxygen that feeds organisms, plants, and animals in the water, resulting in the death of aquatic life and degrading marine life. Understanding Effluent Treatment Plant A purification system, when used in an industrial setting, treats generated wastewater at or near the source. The plant employs various stages to reduce toxins such as chemicals, heavy metals, organic materials, and oils, which can be harmful to the environment. The process entails: Physical treatment: This removes suspended material by sedimentation, screening, and/or filtration. Chemical treatment: Involves the addition of chemicals to neutralise acids to achieve a balanced pH, and they also separate dissolved metals. Biological treatment: Breaks down organic pollutants by introducing microorganisms that feed on the waste. Advanced methods: Methods such as reverse osmosis and chemical oxidation for further purification. Installing an effluent treatment plant is an effective way of purifying wastewater generated by different industrial processes. It efficiently removes toxins and contaminants that are harmful to different species on land and in water. In addition, its utilisation helps companies maintain strict levels as per environmental regulations. However, its efficiency depends on correct installation and maintenance, which can be achieved by consulting a reputable company with years of experience in purification systems on a large scale. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation, water treatment equipment, and effluent treatment plant, 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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