|
Industrial processes produce wastewater with levels of physical, chemical, metallic, and metalloid toxins, which are harmful to humans and the environment in general. As a rule of thumb, environmental agencies require industries to employ a wastewater treatment solution to reduce toxins levels before discharging into municipal drainage systems or the environment. Since the toxins vary from one industry to another, purification methods also vary depending on the types and levels of toxins produced. In addition, stringent environmental standards expect companies to adhere to the required levels of toxins. There are different methods used by industrial liquid waste purification companies, and this article covers four methods, namely chemical, biological, mechanical, and onsite. Chemical The chemical wastewater treatment solution involves the utilisation of chemicals. Some of the commonly used chemicals include chlorine and ozone, as well as adding acid or base. Chlorine and ozone can disintegrate pollutants into easily removable substances or less harmful substances. Following purification with this method, liquid waste has less odour, a clearer colour, it is less harmful, and organic particles are disintegrated into smaller sizes. The addition of a base or acid is the process of neutralisation, which aims to adjust the pH level of water to a neutral or accepted range by reducing the acidity or alkalinity of the water. Biological This is used to disintegrate organic pollutants by introducing fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. In biological treatment, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms consume organic pollutants and break them down into smaller particles, water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Some of the biological processes include: Aerobic process: The use of oxygen by microorganisms to break down organic pollutants into smaller particles that are less harmful. Anaerobic process: Conversely, the anaerobic process involves the disintegration of organic pollutants in the absence of oxygen to produce methane gas, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Activated sludge: Bacteria, microorganisms, and fungi are mixed with wastewater in an aeration tank or basin where pollutants are consumed. Once the desired outcome has been achieved, wastewater is separated from sludge in a settling tank. Mechanical This wastewater treatment solution involves the removal of solid waste both physically and by mechanical processes. Some of the popular methods include: Screening: Liquid waste passes through screens and meshes to remove contaminants such as plastic and sticks. Sedimentation: Heavier particles settle at the bottom of sedimentation tanks as sludge, allowing clearer water to be discharged or treated further by other processes. Filtration: Uses filtering or sand membranes to remove suspended solids and fine particles. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Solution This uses the previously described methods to purify wastewater at the source, i.e., near or within the facility where it is produced. There are many systems involved, with the typical one for industrial purposes being decentralised. A decentralised system involves the utilisation of purification plants near the source. Usually, an industrial liquid waste purification company specialising in the installation of decentralised systems will carry out an evaluation to determine the appropriate system for each industry. This is then installed according to the environmental regulations for the discharge, the characteristics of the liquid waste, and the types of contaminants present, among other factors. One of the popular decentralised systems is reverse osmosis (RO), which is suitable for various industries. It uses high pressure to force contaminated water, referred to as brine, through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane purifies contaminated water by removing and trapping toxins and impurities of different types, to produce “cleaner” wastewater. The RO system can remove up to 99% of impurities, and the purified wastewater can either be reused in industrial processes or discharged accordingly. Industrial and commercial processes use various methods and techniques to reduce contaminants and toxins in liquid waste in order to produce purified wastewater that can be discharged to the environment. To achieve this, companies need appropriate wastewater treatment solution systems specific to their individual needs. Consult a reputable company for the installation and maintenance of an appropriate treatment system. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation, equipment and the most effective wastewater treatment solution for your business, 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.
Related Articles -
wastewater, treatment, solution,
|
