With the rise of new industries and the ongoing expansion of small and old industrial sectors, problems related to industrial waste continue to grow, posing a direct threat to water quality. In this context, the role of wastewater treatment chemicals becomes increasingly vital, as the uncontrolled discharge of industrial effluents, laden with organic and inorganic pollutants, can cause severe environmental damage, ultimately rendering water resources unfit for human consumption.
Table of Contents:
From all industries manufacturing process wastewater comes out:
Food Industry
The food industry, encompassing meat, dairy, and processed food production, faces similar wastewater treatment challenges. Processes like cleaning, sanitation, and food processing generate wastewater contaminated with organic matter, fats, oils, grease, and various chemicals.
Paper
Water that comes out from paper and pulp production contains chemicals that need treatment like: acids, chlorine, chloroform, dioxins, hydrocarbons, and phenols.
Textile
The most dangerous type of wastewater that comes out is wastewater from textile production because it contains bleach, dyes, and other chemicals that need treatment to avoid environmental pollution.
Petrochemicals
The petrochemical industry requires a huge source of water in all processes. This industry produces wastewater that contains high contents of fats, hydrocarbons, dissolved organic matter, mainly phenols, ammonias, cyanides, benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene.
Pharmaceutical
The pharmaceutical sector requires highly pure water for production. Wastewater generated includes both controlled and residual drug waste, requiring specific treatments.
Agriculture
Wastewater treatment is a major issue in fertilizer plants. In nitrogenous fertilizer production, nitrates are typically removed biologically, and ion exchange can be used for removing ammonia and nitrates.
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Many chemicals are used in wastewater treatment processes, and each one has a specific use depending on the source of the waste. However, six common chemicals are typically involved in the process.
Firstly: Coagulant & Flocculant Polymers
These polymers play an important role in the wastewater treatment process, regardless of the type of waste. They help isolate and separate pollutants from water by forming large chains that settle at the bottom.
To get more information, read our article about “Wastewater treatment by polyacrylamide”. Also, see “Coagulants and Their Benefits: Enhancing Water Treatment Efficiency”, and “Enhancing Water Clarity with Polymer Flocculants”.
Secondly: Sulfuric Acid
Wastewater treatment requires pH adjustment. Most industrial operations use sulfuric acid due to its cost-effectiveness and availability to maintain ideal pH levels.
Thirdly: Sodium Hypochlorite
Industries like textiles require disinfection processes. Sodium Hypochlorite serves as a powerful disinfectant during wastewater treatment in these sectors.
The use of wastewater treatment chemicals must be precisely controlled to ensure the treatment process remains safe, effective, and environmentally compliant. Treated wastewater must meet specific quality standards before discharge.
Conclusion
The importance of wastewater treatment chemicals cannot be overlooked. These essential substances play a vital role in safely and effectively removing pollutants from wastewater, helping to protect public health and preserve the environment. For more information on technical chemicals and their applications, contact us.
