Subject :  INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER POLLUTION AND CONTROL

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Chapter : 6


Pre and Primary treatment for industrial wastewater:

Equalization & proportioning :

Equalization is the process of 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. Proportioning is the process of adding chemicals to wastewater to adjust the pH or other characteristics of the wastewater. This can help to improve the efficiency of the treatment process and to prevent damage to the treatment equipment.

Neutralization

Neutralization is the process of adjusting the pH of wastewater to a neutral level. This is important because many pollutants are more easily removed at a neutral pH. Neutralization can be achieved by adding acids or bases to the wastewater.

Heavy Metals Removal :

Heavy metals are a type of pollutant that can be harmful to human health and the environment. There are a number of different methods for removing heavy metals from wastewater, including precipitation, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis.

These are just some of the pre and primary treatment methods that can be used for industrial wastewater. The specific treatment methods that are used will depend on the type of wastewater and the pollutants that are present.

Here are some additional details about each of the methods:

  • Equalization: This is a necessary step in many wastewater treatment processes because it helps to stabilize the flow of wastewater to the treatment plant. This can help to improve the efficiency of the treatment process and to prevent damage to the treatment equipment. Equalization can be achieved by storing wastewater in a holding tank or by using a flow-equalizing device.
  • Proportioning: This is often used in conjunction with equalization to adjust the pH or other characteristics of the wastewater. This can help to improve the efficiency of the treatment process and to prevent damage to the treatment equipment. Proportioning can be achieved by adding chemicals to the wastewater manually or by using a proportioning pump.
  • Neutralization: This is an important step in many wastewater treatment processes because it helps to remove harmful pollutants from the wastewater. Neutralization can be achieved by adding acids or bases to the wastewater. The type of acid or base that is used will depend on the pH of the wastewater and the pollutants that are present.
  • Heavy metals removal: There are a number of different methods for removing heavy metals from wastewater. The most common methods include precipitation, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis. Precipitation is a process that involves adding chemicals to the wastewater that cause the heavy metals to precipitate out of solution. Ion exchange is a process that involves passing the wastewater through a bed of resin that binds to the heavy metals. Reverse osmosis is a process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove the heavy metals from the wastewater.

Pre and primary treatment processes are essential steps in the treatment of industrial wastewater before it undergoes further advanced treatment. These processes help remove or reduce certain contaminants, adjust the pH levels, and address specific pollutants present in the wastewater. Here are the key aspects of pre and primary treatment for industrial wastewater, including equalization and proportioning, neutralization, and heavy metals removal:

1. Equalization and Proportioning:

   - Purpose: Industrial wastewater often exhibits variations in flow rates and pollutant concentrations. Equalization aims to balance these variations by mixing and homogenizing the wastewater, ensuring a more consistent and predictable influent to subsequent treatment processes.
   - Process: The equalization tank, also known as a balance tank, is a storage facility where wastewater is collected and mixed. It allows for the blending of different wastewater streams to achieve a more uniform flow rate and pollutant load before entering the primary treatment stage.

2. Neutralization:

   - Purpose: Industrial wastewater may contain acidic or alkaline components that require neutralization to achieve appropriate pH levels. This is crucial to ensure the efficiency of subsequent treatment processes and to prevent corrosion or damage to infrastructure.
   - Process: Neutralization involves the addition of acids or bases to adjust the pH of the wastewater. The choice of neutralizing agent depends on the nature of the wastewater and the desired pH range. Common neutralizing agents include lime (calcium hydroxide), caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), or sulfuric acid.

3. Heavy Metals Removal:

   - Purpose: Industrial activities can introduce heavy metals into wastewater, which are toxic and pose environmental and health risks. Heavy metals removal is necessary to comply with regulatory standards and protect the environment.
   - Process: Various techniques are employed to remove heavy metals from wastewater, such as chemical precipitation, coagulation-flocculation, ion exchange, adsorption, and electrochemical methods. These processes involve the addition of specific chemicals or the use of sorbents or resins to capture and remove heavy metal ions from the wastewater.

It's important to note that pre and primary treatment processes are typically followed by secondary and tertiary treatment methods to further purify the wastewater before its safe discharge or reuse. Secondary treatment processes involve biological methods to remove organic compounds and suspended solids, while tertiary treatment processes address specific contaminants or disinfect the water to meet desired water quality standards.

The selection and design of pre and primary treatment processes depend on the characteristics of the industrial wastewater, the types and concentrations of pollutants, and the regulatory requirements. It is crucial for industries to consult with wastewater treatment experts or engineers to develop customized treatment systems that effectively address their specific wastewater composition and environmental compliance needs.