Subject :  INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER POLLUTION AND CONTROL

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Chapter : 5


Volume & Strength reduction in industrial wastewater:


Volume and strength reduction in industrial wastewater are crucial aspects of wastewater management to minimize the overall quantity of wastewater generated and to reduce the concentration of pollutants present in the wastewater. Implementing measures for volume reduction and strength reduction can help industries optimize their water usage, conserve resources, and mitigate the environmental impact. 

Here are some common measures for volume and strength reduction in industrial wastewater:

Measures for Volume Reduction:


1. Water Conservation Practices: Implementing water conservation practices such as leak detection and repair, process optimization, and efficient equipment and machinery design can help reduce overall water consumption, thereby minimizing the volume of wastewater generated.

2. Process Modification: Analyzing and optimizing industrial processes to reduce water usage can significantly impact wastewater volume. This can involve recycling and reusing process water, implementing closed-loop systems, and employing process modifications that minimize water requirements.

3. Segregation and Separation: Segregating wastewater streams at the source can allow for the separation of clean water from contaminated water. By diverting clean water for reuse or discharge and treating only the contaminated streams, the overall volume of wastewater generated can be reduced.

4. Rainwater Harvesting: Implementing rainwater harvesting systems can help supplement water requirements and reduce the reliance on freshwater sources. Collecting rainwater for non-potable uses can effectively decrease the volume of industrial wastewater generated.

5. Process Optimization and Efficiency: Optimizing manufacturing processes to minimize water usage, improve product yield, and reduce waste generation can have a significant impact on reducing the volume of wastewater produced.

Measures for Strength Reduction:

1. Source Control and Pollution Prevention: Implementing source control measures to minimize or eliminate the use of hazardous substances can reduce the strength of pollutants in wastewater. This can involve substituting toxic chemicals with safer alternatives, improving process efficiency, and implementing pollution prevention practices.

2. Dilution and Mixing: Diluting highly concentrated wastewater streams with clean water can reduce their strength and overall pollutant load. Proper mixing and blending of wastewater streams can help achieve more uniform strength throughout the wastewater, making treatment processes more efficient.

3. Segregation and Treatment of High-Strength Streams: Separating high-strength wastewater streams from the main wastewater flow and subjecting them to specialized treatment processes can help remove or reduce specific contaminants, thereby reducing the overall strength of the wastewater.

4. Biological Treatment: Utilizing biological treatment processes such as aerobic or anaerobic digestion, activated sludge, or biofiltration can facilitate the degradation or conversion of organic compounds, reducing their strength in the wastewater.

5. Chemical Treatment: Employing chemical treatment methods such as coagulation, flocculation, or oxidation can help precipitate or transform pollutants into less soluble or less toxic forms, thereby reducing the strength of the wastewater.

It is important for industries to evaluate their specific wastewater characteristics and consult with wastewater treatment professionals to identify the most suitable volume and strength reduction measures. By implementing these measures, industries can reduce their environmental footprint, comply with regulations, and promote sustainable water management practices.

Volume and strength reduction are two important aspects of industrial wastewater management. Volume reduction refers to the reduction in the amount of wastewater generated, while strength reduction refers to the reduction in the concentration of pollutants in the wastewater. Both of these measures can help to reduce the environmental impact of industrial wastewater, and they can also save businesses money on wastewater treatment costs.

Measures for volume reduction

  • Classification of wastes: This involves separating different types of wastewater, such as process wastewater, cooling water, and stormwater. This can help to reduce the volume of wastewater that needs to be treated, as some types of wastewater can be reused or recycled.
  • Conservation of wastewater: This involves measures to reduce the amount of water used in industrial processes. This can be done through improved process design, water-saving equipment, and good housekeeping practices.
  • Changing production techniques: This involves making changes to the way that industrial processes are carried out in order to reduce the amount of wastewater generated. This can involve using different raw materials, different production methods, or different waste treatment processes.
  • Reuse and recycling: This involves using wastewater or wastewater treatment residuals for other purposes, such as irrigation, cooling, or as an ingredient in other products.
  • Elimination Of Batch & Plug Discharges: This involves minimizing the discharge of large volumes of wastewater at once. This can be done by staggering the discharge of wastewater, or by using holding tanks to store wastewater until it can be treated.

Measures For Strength Reduction :

  • Process changes: This involves making changes to the way that industrial processes are carried out in order to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the wastewater. This can involve using different raw materials, different production methods, or different waste treatment processes.
  • Equipment modifications: This involves modifying or replacing equipment in order to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the wastewater. This can involve installing treatment devices, such as filters or scrubbers, or it can involve changing the way that equipment is operated.
  • Segregation of wastes: This involves separating different types of wastewater, such as process wastewater, cooling water, and stormwater. This can help to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the wastewater, as some types of wastewater can be more easily treated than others.
  • Equalization: This involves storing wastewater in a holding tank before it is treated. This helps to equalize the flow of wastewater to the treatment plant, which can help to improve the efficiency of the treatment process.
  • By-product recovery: This involves recovering valuable materials from wastewater, such as metals, solvents, or acids. This can help to reduce the amount of pollutants in the wastewater, and it can also provide a source of revenue for businesses.
  • Monitoring of waste streams: This involves monitoring the concentration of pollutants in wastewater streams. This helps to identify areas where strength reduction measures can be implemented.

By implementing measures for volume reduction and strength reduction, businesses can help to reduce the environmental impact of their wastewater, and they can also save money on wastewater treatment costs.