Types of Industrial Wastewater

There are a number of different types of industrial wastewater. Each type has its own characteristics that determine what treatment processes are required.

For instance, wastewater from food processing is often treated before it is discharged to the sewer system. This can save money and help the environment at the same time.

Biodegradable Wastes

Biodegradable wastes are those that can be decomposed into non-poisonous materials by certain microorganisms. These are typically produced by food processing industries, dairy, textile mills, slaughterhouses, etc.

These wastes can be treated by combustion, composting, gasification or bio-methanation processes. In addition, some of these materials mix well with the soil, thereby increasing its fertility.

However, some types of industrial wastewater are not biodegradable and are often contaminated with toxic chemicals. These substances are difficult for the microorganisms to break down, so they must be treated by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).

For example, wastewater from dyeing and paper mill factories contain large amounts of non-biodegradable dissolved organic compounds. These include organic dyes based on aromatic ring structures, lignin and its derivatives and chlorinated organic compounds.

Toxic Wastes

Many industrial wastewaters contain toxic chemicals that contaminate water bodies and can cause damage to marine life. These pollutants can also affect human health, especially when the wastewater is not disposed of properly or in a purified form.

Industrial wastes are a major cause of water pollution in the United States and around the world. They include liquids, solids, gases, sludges and discarded commercial products (e.g., cleaning fluids and pesticides).

Chemically active substances in wastewater can cause serious health problems by entering water bodies, air or soil through leaks. For example, certain metals like chromium and lead can enter water bodies and cause contamination.

Non-degradable chemicals and other contaminants from industrial wastes can stay in the sediments of rivers for years and may contaminate groundwater or surface water. They can cause illness and even death to fish, crustaceans, birds, insects and other animals. Moreover, some of these toxic substances can be stirred up into the water during floods or dredging.

 

Inorganic Wastes

One of the most commonly used methods of waste disposal is to dump it in landfills. Unfortunately, this practice contaminates natural wildlife and their habitats, pollutes soil and water supplies and negatively impacts neighbouring communities and their residents’ health.

Another method of waste disposal is to recycle the inorganic waste. In this way, the waste can be transformed into new items that are more useful or even worth selling.

A common example of this is plastic bottles. These can be recycled into new goods or used to make handicrafts.

Inorganic waste can also come from factories and production companies that use chemicals or other liquids that are harmful to aquatic life. In some cases, they can enter the water through a drainage pipe or runoff.

These liquid inorganic wastes are generally very dangerous for aquatic life, especially fish and other animals. Therefore, it is important to keep them out of receiving streams. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to prevent this.

Solid Wastes

Industrial waste is any material that becomes unusable during a manufacturing process. It can be solid, liquid or gaseous and can be hazardous or nonhazardous.

It includes dirt and gravel; masonry and concrete; scrap metal; oil; solvents; chemicals; and scrap lumber. It also includes dredge spoil, tailings, and waste from mining operations.

Industrial wastewater is produced by many industries, including cement factories, chemical factories, steel mills, and petroleum refineries. It can contain various harmful elements such as nitrates and phosphates, which lead to water pollution. In addition, it can cause air and soil pollution.