Life without clean water is not a problem for most of us in our day-to-day life. We don’t have to imagine the alternative because measures in place mean we don’t have to deal with repercussions of a contaminated water supply. This is all thanks to the implementation of modern industrial water treatment (purification) solutions, which use various equipment and processes to ensure that wastewater from manufacturing and other industries is safe for discharge into the environment or the municipality's drainage system. Wastewater treatment from an industrial standpoint is a crucial process of purifying liquid waste to reduce harmful contaminants and meet stringent environmental discharge levels. Before treatment, liquid waste contains excessive levels of metals, metalloids, non-metals, and organic substances. These are harmful to human lives, the environment, and the ecosystem, hence the importance of purification. The process involved The process is not one-size-fits-all; it varies depending on the contaminants present in the effluent. The first step is screening, which removes rubbish and other floating particles. Then follows the introduction of air in aeration tanks to facilitate the growth of microorganisms that feed on organic contaminants to remove them. From the aeration tank, it then flows into the settling tank, where heavy particles can settle at the bottom for easy removal with clarifiers. Chemicals are then added in the last stage to get rid of any dissolved toxins. The final stage after chemical treatment is disposal. The settled particles or sludge, are treated further before disposal. Benefits to the environment Liquid waste from industries is heavily infused with harmful contaminants, has a foul smell, and is unsightly, and this is just on a superficial level. If we go deeper, it is extremely harmful and can cause unwarranted deaths to humans, animals, and marine life. Industrial water treatment before discharge ensures proper purification to reduce poisonous substances and preserve the integrity of water sources such as rivers, dams, lakes, and lagoons. Furthermore, purification protects the surrounding ecosystems. Industries that need to treat wastewater Wondering if your business needs an industrial water treatment plant? The answer is not always straightforward, hence the importance of seeking assistance from a reputable wastewater management company. To provide some guidance, businesses that use these systems are as diverse as pharmaceuticals, food processing, agriculture, and mining. In a nutshell, if your business produces liquid waste then you may benefit from a purification system – indeed, you may legally be required to treat it prior to discharge. Big polluters: manufacturing and agricultural sectors While the cause of environmental pollution is due to various reasons, including certain residential practices, manufacturing industries and the agriculture sector are the major polluters. This is why industrial water treatment systems are important for these businesses, because they neutralise harmful substances that could otherwise harm the environment. In addition to the contaminants mentioned earlier, insecticides and pesticides used in agricultural sectors produce liquid waste with high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other substances that promote algae growth in water. Reasons to Treat Industrial Wastewater There are many benefits to treating liquid waste from commercial businesses and industries. It can be reused in agriculture for irrigation purposes and in the mining industry for cleaning mined ores. It is also good for separating mined minerals from unwanted substances, and it saves the environment. The purification of liquid waste from commercial businesses and industries is a necessity to reduce problems that could threaten the ecosystem. Since every business is unique, a one-size-fits-all system doesn’t guarantee effectiveness. It is therefore important to consult a reputable company for the bespoke design and installation of an industrial water treatment system tailored to each business's specific effluent needs and site conditions. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation and industrial water treatment solutions, 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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