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Commercial and industrial processes produce a great amount of wastewater that requires standardised or approved waste management and disposal. It can be described as waste that contains high concentrations of pollutants such as dissolved solids, chemicals, metals, or organic products. Thus, this wastewater can cause potential harm to the ecosystem if disposed of or discharged through the municipal drainage system without prior treatment. An effluent treatment plant that is specifically selected for the appropriate industry is therefore a requirement to reduce high pollutants to a level that adheres to approved standards. Failure to maintain the required levels before discharging wastewater into the environment is against the law and can result in significant fines. Curious or confused about what to consider when choosing a treatment plant? Read on to learn more about what to look out for. The Kind of Effluent and Industry Wastewater contains levels of contaminants that vary from one industrial sector to another, and this means the effluent treatment plant will also vary to meet the specific needs. For instance, wastewater in the agricultural sector contains high levels of pesticides, herbicides, and other agricultural chemicals. Therefore, the method and the purification system will differ from, say, mining effluent, which is highly acidic and infused with metals and heavy metals. Carrying out comprehensive testing of the wastewater prior to installation of the treatment plant establishes the conditions for the system that will effectively treat the wastewater. Compliance Issues/Regulation Industrial effluent must meet strict standards in accordance with environmental governing bodies, such as the Environmental Agency (EA) in the UK. This, therefore, implies that the right system must comply with the required discharge levels, because failure to do so can be detrimental to the ecosystem and taint the company’s reputation. On the Environmental Agency website, the monitoring and compliance limits of industrial wastewater treatment works are covered in great detail. In this guide, you will find information about different stages of treatment requirements and compliance when discharging into sensitive areas. Sensitive areas include freshwater bodies, estuaries, coastal waters, nitrate-sensitive areas, etc. To ensure that a system complies with the required discharge regulations, it is best to consult the EA guide. Costs (Including Regular Maintenance) The affordability of the effluent treatment plant over the course of its lifespan should also be considered. Upfront costs such as the cost of the system and installation are not easily overlooked, however, operating and maintenance costs can be forgotten and then creep up at a later stage. The failure to account for such costs can create budget overruns, which can replicate in other parts of the business, affecting profitability. It is vital to do a thorough financial assessment of the appropriate system to prevent unforeseen financial mishaps. Overall Efficiency of the Effluent Treatment Plant The quality of treated wastewater will vary, indicating different efficiency mechanisms for purifying the contaminants. Keeping the minimum environmental discharge levels in mind (as well as other factors such as reusing the purified effluent to feed industrial processes), overall efficiency must be considered. In addition, treatment speed, pollutant levels after purification, and the system’s capability to carry varying loads should be considered. The appropriate effluent treatment plant is a necessity for the purification of commercial and industrial wastewater. It should be highly efficient to produce purified water that meets environmental standards, according to the Environmental Agency in the UK. This can only be achieved by installing the appropriate system based on the types and levels of contaminants. For recommendations and installation of the right system for individual industrial needs, consult a reputable wastewater management company. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation and water treatment equipment, including industrial effluent treatment plant like 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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