Several industrial operations generate waste that can be hazardous to the environment if left untreated. Water is the main cleaning medium for most industrial operations. Disposing of industrial wastewater without proper treatment can lead to groundwater contamination and the surrounding environment. Exposure to such contaminants can result in lasting ecosystem damage and health risks to the community.

The Australian government has industrial wastewater management protocols to protect sensitive water resources from contamination. Industries must treat their wastewater and restore it to environmentally safe conditions before disposal. Water management guidelines also encourage industrial filtration and recycling to preserve the scarce water resources in the country.

This article shows the need for efficient water waste management in industrial settings. Read on to learn more about wastewater management in Australia’s top three industries.

Understanding Industrial Water Waste Management

Several factors come into consideration when designing your water waste management strategy. The first factor that dictates your protocols is the nature of your waste. The second is your mode of disposal.

The contents of your wastewater at the disposal point should not cause any imbalances in the ecosystem; if possible, they should enrich the environment. Below are three industries that use modern wastewater management principles in their operations.

i. Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing industry is the highest generator of wastewater across the globe. Manufacturing processes need water for cooling, washing, mixing and transporting media in their operations. As a result, there is the introduction of chemicals, oils, metals, debris and other foreign substances into the water.

It is worth noting that efficient recycling and wastewater management benefits the manufacturing industry immensely. The cost savings achieved through reusing wastewater garner significant profits for industries across Australia.

ii. Mining and Quarrying

Australia has a robust mining and quarrying industry. Yet, the extraction of valuable minerals from the ground needs significant volumes of water. In the process, lots of minerals, debris and waste contaminate the water. Mining disrupts the natural state of earth metals and minerals. The wastewater needs to be restored to a balanced state before disposal to the environment.

Sludge dewatering and wastewater treatment are among the most popular water management techniques in the mining and quarrying industry. Yet, each management process must be tailored to target specific water contaminants. The regional authorities outline the water quality each industry must achieve before disposal. Compliance with these regulations keeps our water resources safe for future generations.

iii. Electricity Production

The waste generated in the electricity production and distribution industry depends on the power source. Conventional fossil fuel power plants generate the most waste. Several activities are involved in treating the wastewater from these plants, such as oil-water separation processes. While oil centrifuges are effective, large scale wastewater treatment solutions are necessary for commercial power plants. Several studies are underway to investigate the viability of using wastewater in electricity production and saving clean water for other purposes.

All things considered, you can use several methods to save water and manage your industrial waste. Both small and large industries must prioritise water waste management. The radical changes in climatic conditions and weather patterns, combined with rapid industrialisation, exerts immense pressure on natural water systems and resources. Industries must play their part in maintaining balance and preserving global water resources.

Read Also:
A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF VARIOUS CENTRIFUGES AND THEIR USE
WHY HIGH QUALITY BIOFUEL PRODUCTS ARE SO CRUCIAL