How Does Industrial Waste Water Treatment Work
                     How Does Industrial Waste Water Treatment Work?
Industrial wastewater treatment is a critical process for safeguarding our environment
and ensuring human health. It involves the comprehensive removal of pollutants from 
wastewater generated by various industrial activities, such as manufacturing, mining, 
and food processing. This wastewater often contains a cocktail of harmful substances, 
including organic matter, inorganic chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic compounds, 
which can have devastating consequences if released directly into natural water bodies 
like rivers, lakes, and oceans.
The treatment process aims to transform this potentially hazardous waste into a less 
harmful effluent that can be safely discharged or even reused. By effectively treating 
industrial wastewater, we can prevent the contamination of our water resources, protect 
aquatic ecosystems, and safeguard human health from the risks associated with 
exposure to pollutants.
This blog post will delve into the intricacies of industrial wastewater treatment, 
exploring the different stages involved and how each stage contributes to the overall 
goal of producing clean and safe water.
What is Industrial Wastewater?
Why is Industrial Wastewater Treatment Important?
Industrial wastewater treatment is important for several reasons:
● Environmental Protection: Untreated industrial wastewater can contain 
harmful pollutants that contaminate water bodies, harming aquatic life and 
ecosystems. Treatment removes these pollutants, protecting the environment 
and preserving biodiversity.
● Human Health: Exposure to untreated wastewater can cause various health 
problems, including waterborne diseases and skin irritations. Treatment removes 
pathogens and toxins, safeguarding public health.
● Water Conservation: Treated wastewater can be reused for various purposes, 
such as irrigation or industrial processes, reducing the demand for freshwater 
resources. This is especially important in water-scarce regions.
● Regulatory Compliance: Many industries are required by law to treat their 
wastewater before discharge. Treatment helps businesses comply with 
environmental regulations and avoid penalties.
● Economic Benefits: Reusing treated wastewater can reduce water and 
wastewater disposal costs for businesses. It can also create new economic 
opportunities in water treatment and reuse technologies.
● Public Image: Companies that prioritize wastewater treatment demonstrate 
environmental responsibility, enhancing their public image and attracting 
environmentally conscious consumers.
● Sustainable Development: Wastewater treatment promotes sustainable 
development by protecting water resources, reducing pollution, and supporting a 
circular economy.
By investing in industrial wastewater treatment, businesses can contribute to a 
healthier environment, protect human health, and promote sustainable development.
The Stages of Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Industrial wastewater treatment typically involves several stages:
● Preliminary Treatment: Preliminary treatment is the first stage of industrial 
wastewater treatment. It involves removing large objects, such as debris and grit,
from the wastewater. This is typically done using a screen or a grit chamber.
● Primary Treatment: Primary treatment is the second stage of industrial 
wastewater treatment. It involves removing suspended solids from the 
wastewater. This is typically done using a sedimentation tank.
● Secondary Treatment: Secondary treatment is the third stage of industrial 
wastewater treatment. It involves removing dissolved organic matter from the 
wastewater. This is typically done using a biological process, such as activated 
sludge or trickling filter.
● Tertiary Treatment: Tertiary treatment is the fourth stage of industrial 
wastewater treatment. It involves removing nutrients, such as nitrogen and 
phosphorus, from the wastewater. This is typically done using a chemical 
process, such as chemical precipitation or ion exchange.
● Disinfection: Disinfection is the final stage of industrial wastewater treatment. It 
involves killing any remaining pathogens in the wastewater. This is typically done
using chlorine or ultraviolet light.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment Technologies
There are many different technologies that can be used to treat industrial wastewater. 
The most common technologies include:
● Biological treatment
● Chemical treatment
● Physical treatment
● Membrane filtration
The specific technology that is used will depend on the type and concentration of 
pollutants in the wastewater.
Biological Treatment
Biological treatment is a process that uses microorganisms to break down organic 
matter in wastewater. There are two main types of biological treatment:
● Activated sludge: Activated sludge is a process that uses a mixture of 
microorganisms and wastewater to break down organic matter. The 
microorganisms in the activated sludge consume the organic matter, converting it
into carbon dioxide, water, and other harmless substances.
● Trickling filter: A trickling filter is a process that uses a bed of media, such as 
rocks or plastic, to break down organic matter. The wastewater is sprayed onto 
the media, and the microorganisms in the media consume the organic matter.
Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatment is a process that uses chemicals to remove pollutants from 
wastewater. There are many different types of chemical treatment, including:
● Chemical precipitation: Chemical precipitation is a process that uses chemicals
to form insoluble precipitates with pollutants in the wastewater. The precipitates 
are then removed from the wastewater using a sedimentation tank.
● Ion exchange: Ion exchange is a process that uses a resin to remove ions, such
as heavy metals, from wastewater. The resin is a material that contains charged 
particles that attract ions in the wastewater.
Physical Treatment
Physical treatment is a process that uses physical methods to remove pollutants from 
wastewater. There are many different types of physical treatment, including:
● Filtration: Filtration is a process that uses a filter to remove suspended solids 
from wastewater. There are many different types of filters, including sand filters, 
carbon filters, and membrane filters.
● Distillation: Distillation is a process that uses heat to separate water from 
pollutants. The water is boiled, and the pollutants are left behind.
Membrane Filtration
Membrane filtration is a process that uses a membrane to remove pollutants from 
wastewater. There are many different types of membranes, including microfiltration 
membranes, ultrafiltration membranes, and nanofiltration membranes.
Case Study: SVS Aqua's Innovative Solutions in Industrial Wastewater 
Treatment
Background
SVS Aqua is a leading manufacturer of advanced water treatment solutions, 
specializing in chlorine dioxide and other innovative technologies. Their expertise spans
across various industries, including municipal water treatment, industrial wastewater 
treatment, and more.
Project Overview
Client: Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) Location: India Year: 2023 Goal: To 
achieve drinking water quality with a turbidity of less than 1 NTU, TSS (Total 
Suspended Solids) less than 1 ppm, and a minimum recovery of 98% flow. The capacity
required was 380 m³/hr or 9 MLD (Million Liters per Day).
Challenges
The primary challenge was to treat surface water to meet stringent drinking water 
quality standards while ensuring high recovery rates and operational efficiency.
SVS Aqua's Solution
SVS Aqua implemented a comprehensive treatment process that included:
1. Pre-chlorination: To control algae and other biological growth.
2. Tube Settler with Coagulant and Flocculant Dosing: To enhance the removal 
of suspended solids.
3. Dual Media Filter (DMF) with Sand and Activated Carbon: To further reduce 
turbidity and organic matter.
4. Activated Filter Media (AFM): Replacing traditional Ultrafiltration (UF) systems, 
AFM provided fine filtration and biofouling resistance.
5. Softener: To remove hardness from the water.
6. Post Chlorine Dioxide Dosing: For final disinfection and ensuring water safety.
Results
The implementation of SVS Aqua's solutions resulted in:
● Achievement of Drinking Water Standards: The treated water met the 
required turbidity and TSS standards, ensuring safe drinking water.
● High Recovery Rates: The system achieved a recovery rate of over 98%, 
minimizing water wastage.
● Cost and Operational Efficiency: The AFM-based system provided significant 
cost savings compared to traditional UF systems, with lower capital and 
operational expenditures.
SVS Aqua's innovative approach to industrial wastewater treatment not only met the 
stringent quality standards but also provided cost-effective and efficient solutions. Their 
expertise in advanced filtration technologies and chlorine dioxide treatment has made
a significant impact on the industry, ensuring safe and sustainable water 
management.
Conclusion
Industrial wastewater treatment is absolutely critical for safeguarding both the 
environment and human health. The sheer volume and complexity of wastewater 
produced by industries worldwide necessitate robust and effective treatment solutions. 
This isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. The composition of industrial wastewater varies 
dramatically depending on the industry, the specific processes involved, and the raw 
materials used. A textile factory's wastewater, laden with dyes and fibers, will require a 
vastly different treatment approach than the wastewater from a metal plating facility, 
which may contain heavy metals like chromium and nickel. Therefore, a wide array of 
technologies has been developed to address this diversity.