Industries' Role In Reducing Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with more than 70% of the Earth's surface covered in water. Industries are a major contributor to this problem, discharging toxic waste into rivers, canals, and seas. To reduce water pollution, industries can implement several measures, including waste minimization, recycling, and treatment of wastewater. They can also adopt in-plant controls, such as reducing spillages, reusing waste liquors, and segregating waste streams. Additionally, governments can play a role by introducing policies and incentives to encourage industries to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

Treat wastewater before it reaches surface water

Wastewater treatment is a critical aspect of water pollution control, ensuring that wastewater is treated before it reaches natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, estuaries, and oceans. This process involves removing impurities from wastewater, which can come from various sources, including rainwater runoff, human activities, and industrial discharges. Here are some detailed actions that can be taken to treat wastewater effectively:

Primary Treatment

The primary level of treatment involves using screens and settling tanks to remove solid materials from wastewater. This step is crucial as solids make up a significant portion of the pollutants. Screens with small openings are used to remove large objects such as sticks and garbage. The water is then placed in settling tanks or clarifiers, where it remains for several hours, allowing sludge to settle and scum to form on top. The scum is skimmed off, and the sludge is removed, with the partially treated wastewater proceeding to the next stage. Primary treatment can eliminate up to 50% of the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and around 90% of suspended solids.

Secondary Treatment

The secondary treatment stage uses bacteria and oxygen to digest the remaining pollutants in the wastewater. The forceful mixing of wastewater with bacteria and oxygen accelerates the digestion process. The water is then transferred to settling tanks once more, where the sludge settles, leaving the water 90-95% free of pollutants. Some treatment plants also employ sand filters at this stage to capture additional pollutants.

Tertiary Treatment

Tertiary, or advanced, treatment targets the removal of dissolved substances such as colour, metals, organic chemicals, and nutrients. Various physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes are used for this stage. One such biological treatment is Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR), which uses bacteria in different oxygen conditions across several tanks to digest contaminants. The BNR process can eliminate over 90% of phosphates, which is significantly more effective than traditional processes.

Anaerobic Bacteria Treatment

The sludge removed during the primary treatment stage is treated separately. Anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen, feed on the sludge for 10-20 days at temperatures of around 38 degrees Celsius. This process reduces the odour and organic matter of the sludge and produces a combustible gas mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, which can be used as fuel for the treatment plant.

Centrifugation

After anaerobic bacteria treatment, the sludge undergoes centrifugation, where it is spun at high speeds to separate the liquid from the solid components. The liquid is then processed with the wastewater, while the solid can be used as fertiliser on fields.

Disinfection

The final step in wastewater treatment is disinfection, which involves treating the wastewater with chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet light to destroy any remaining pathogens. This step ensures that the water is safe for discharge into natural bodies of water without causing harm to the environment or human health.

Cut down on the use of plastic

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, with plastic waste causing harm to both animal and human health. Plastic debris breaks down into ever-smaller particles known as microplastics, which have been found in people's blood, lungs, and even faeces. The effects of microplastics on human health are still being determined, but scientists are working to answer this urgent question.

The amount of plastic produced has skyrocketed, with the production of disposable plastic products overwhelming the world's ability to deal with them. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, takeaway containers, and coffee cup lids, are used once and then discarded. These items often have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

To cut down on the use of plastic, there are several actions that can be taken:

• Refuse any single-use plastics that are not necessary and purchase reusable versions of these products, such as reusable grocery bags, bottles, utensils, and coffee cups.
• Support legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and holds plastic producers accountable for the waste they generate.
• Participate in or organize a cleanup of your local beach or waterway to help remove plastics from the environment.
• Avoid products containing microbeads, such as some face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes. Opt for products with natural exfoliants, like oatmeal or salt, instead.
• Choose clothing made from natural fibres, such as cotton and wool, instead of synthetic fibres like nylon, acrylic, polyester, and fleece. Synthetic fibres can shed from clothes and make their way from laundry machines to wastewater plants, spreading throughout the environment.
• Put pressure on manufacturers to reduce their plastic use and choose to support more sustainable competitors.

By taking these actions, individuals can make a significant difference in reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment and human health.

Recycle wastewater

Recycling wastewater is an effective way to reduce water pollution and address critical water shortages. It involves treating and reusing water from sewerage systems, a practice that has been around for thousands of years. For instance, in London, a significant portion of the drinking water is indirectly recycled through the River Thames, and Windhoek, Namibia, has had a direct potable reuse scheme in place since 1965.

Wastewater reuse can provide a valuable water source for key industries, reducing the demand on limited water resources. Power plants, refineries, mills, and factories, such as those in the automotive industry, can all utilise reused water. This is especially beneficial in water-scarce areas, where water demand is expected to rise with rapid urbanisation and population growth.

Treating and recycling wastewater can also help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. Well-designed wastewater projects enable better sludge management solutions, such as methane capture and energy generation, which help to reduce emissions from plant operations.

Additionally, recycled water can be used to create or enhance wetlands and riparian habitats. Wetlands provide numerous benefits, including improved water quality, flood control, and the provision of wildlife and wildfowl habitats. By recycling wastewater, we can help protect and restore these vital ecosystems.

Furthermore, recycling wastewater can save energy. As recycled water is often sourced and treated onsite or nearby, it reduces the energy required to transport water over long distances or pump it from deep within an aquifer. The energy saved by recycling wastewater can be significant, especially when compared to the energy-intensive process of desalination.

Overall, recycling wastewater is a sustainable and cost-effective approach to reducing water pollution, addressing water scarcity, and mitigating climate change. It offers environmental, social, and economic benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced ecosystems, reduced energy consumption, and the creation of new business opportunities.

Reduce the use of hazardous materials

Industries are the largest contributors to water pollution, with their waste being discharged into rivers and other water bodies. This waste includes hazardous materials such as harmful chemicals and metals that can easily contaminate water sources. These hazardous materials can be found in cleaning fluids, paints, pesticides, and metals like mercury, lead, and nitrate. Oils and petrochemicals can also make water too polluted for drinking or other manufacturing processes.

To reduce the use of hazardous materials and cut down on water pollution, industries can take several steps:

Reduce or Eliminate Hazardous Materials in the Production Process

Industries should reduce or, if possible, completely eliminate the use of dangerous materials in their production processes. This can significantly reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated. For example, industries can switch to non-toxic and biodegradable alternatives for cleaning and pest control.

Implement Waste Management Strategies

Industries can adopt waste management systems, including waste minimization programs, loss prevention, and waste segregation. By properly managing and segregating waste, industries can reduce the amount of hazardous material that ends up in water bodies.

Change Product Composition

By changing the composition of their products, industries can reduce the amount of waste generated during the product's use. This approach can help reduce the overall volume of waste and the toxicity of the waste produced.

Recycling and Reuse

Recycling and reusing waste materials can help reduce the need for hazardous materials in the production process. Industries can investigate contractors who can recycle waste materials or use them as raw material substitutes in other processes. Proper waste management and recycling can also help recover valuable resources and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Advanced Water Treatment Technologies

Industries can invest in advanced water treatment technologies, such as pilot water treatment plants, to effectively remove hazardous contaminants from wastewater before it is released into the environment. These treatment plants can be established on a small scale for testing and then expanded to meet the industry's water treatment needs.

By following these steps and adopting a more sustainable approach to production, industries can significantly reduce their use of hazardous materials and minimize their impact on water pollution.

Implement strict policies and legislation

Implementing strict policies and legislation is a crucial step in reducing water pollution caused by industrial activities. Here are some key measures that can be implemented:

Policy Implementation and Enforcement:

• Governments should introduce and enforce stringent policies and regulations aimed at minimizing water pollution from industries. This includes setting standards for wastewater treatment and establishing protocols for the safe disposal of industrial effluents.
• Real-time monitoring systems should be employed to catch industries that release untreated effluent, especially those that take advantage of nighttime or rainy periods to discharge pollutants covertly.
• The introduction of taxation policies, such as taxing industries based on their level of pollution, can provide a financial incentive for industries to reduce their pollutant output.

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) System:

Industries should be mandated to implement a ZLD system, which treats and recycles wastewater, reducing the volume of wastewater discharged into water bodies. This system can significantly decrease water pollution and preserve water sources for future generations.

In-Plant Controls:

• Industries should adopt in-plant controls that minimize water usage, reduce spillages, and promote the reuse of waste liquors. This not only lessens the volume of wastewater generated but also decreases the amount of water needed for cleaning.
• Simple housekeeping measures, such as segregating waste streams, can ensure that not all wastes end up in the waste stream, making it easier to manage and treat dry waste forms.
• Industries should also focus on waste recovery, finding innovative ways to reuse and recycle waste materials, reducing the overall pollution output.

Bioremediation and Phytoremediation:

Introducing new treatment systems, such as bioremediation or phytoremediation, can provide economical and eco-friendly solutions for treating industrial wastewater. These natural processes use microorganisms or plants to break down and remove contaminants from wastewater, reducing the environmental impact of industrial activities.

Mass Awareness and Education:

• While policies and regulations are essential, creating a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility is equally important. Educational campaigns can empower individuals and businesses to understand the impact of their actions and encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices.
• By raising awareness about the root causes of water pollution, individuals can make informed choices, such as reducing the use of plastic, properly disposing of toxic chemicals, and supporting environmentally conscious companies.

By implementing these strict policies and legislation, industries will be held accountable for their actions, and the world will move towards a more sustainable future with cleaner water sources.

Frequently asked questions