Tackling Wastewater in the Chemical Industry

During the manufacturing of chemical formulations, there are a vast number of different intermediates which cause wastewater streams to vary greatly in composition. The intermediates are often toxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic or non-biodegradable and chemicals can be produced on a commercial scale from kilograms to multi-tonnes. This article explores the challenges and solutions associated with tackling wastewater in the chemical industry.

Tackling Wastewater in the Chemical Industry

The chemical industry plays a vital role in modern society, producing countless products that enhance our quality of life. However, this industry is also responsible for generating significant amounts of contaminated wastewater as a byproduct. Effectively managing and treating this wastewater is crucial for environmental protection and sustainability.

Challenges in Wastewater Management

The chemical industry faces several challenges when it comes to wastewater management:

• Complex Composition: Wastewater from chemical processes often contains a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds, making treatment difficult.
• High Toxicity: Many chemicals used in the industry are toxic, posing a risk to the environment and human health if not properly treated.
• Variable Flow and Composition: The flow rate and composition of wastewater can vary greatly, complicating treatment processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stringent environmental regulations require industries to meet specific discharge standards, necessitating advanced treatment solutions.

Traditional Wastewater Solutions

Traditional treatment of wastewater can partially remove chemicals, but some traces are still detectable in effluents. In alternative wastewater treatment processes such as Ozone, Hydrogen Peroxide and Reverse Osmosis, large doses of chemicals are often used to eradicate trace level micropollutants. This comes at a high price and can also produce a toxic sludge which requires additional specialist treatment.

This has created a demand for economical and environmentally friendly solutions.

Fortunately, there are options available that avoid the use of chemicals which are damaging to the environment.

The Nyex™ Solution

Arvia’s Nyex process combines adsorption and electrochemical oxidation, providing an environmentally friendly solution to treat water without the need for chemical dosing.

It is now possible to tackle part per million to part per billion ranges of endocrine disruptors, personal care products, manufacturing chemicals and agrochemicals.

Arvia deploys wastewater treatment systems on-site which align with the individual requirements of the business. This ensures that environmental strategies and regulatory limits are achieved.

Systems are modular in nature and can be retrofitted into an existing treatment train to remove the final problematic compounds which conventional treatment systems often miss.

The treatment system is also unaffected by toxins or high temperatures and emits no odour, making it perfect for application within a manufacturing environment. Alternatively, systems can be stored externally to allow the expansion of business activities inside the plant to take priority.

Nyex Treatment Systems can also be designed and optimised to ensure treated water is safe for reuse within the business. The reuse of process water not only reduces utility costs but also protects the environment from dangerous chemical wastewater along with helping to reduce the water gap.

Sustainable Practices and Technologies

In addition to treatment technologies, the chemical industry is adopting sustainable practices to minimise wastewater generation:

• Process Optimisation: Streamlining chemical processes to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Water Recycling and Reuse: Implementing closed-loop systems that recycle treated wastewater for reuse within the facility.
• Green Chemistry: Designing chemical processes and products that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

Future Directions

Addressing wastewater in the chemical industry is a complex but essential task for ensuring environmental sustainability. By leveraging advanced treatment technologies and adopting sustainable practices, the industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Ongoing research and development, alongside regulatory compliance, will continue to drive sustainable improvements in wastewater management, protecting ecosystems and public health.

About Arvia

Arvia is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electrochemical water treatment products.

With design, manufacturing, and R&D in the UK, they also have labs in India, a facility in China and have expanded into the US.

Arvia’s treatment systems include Nyex.3 Florenox, Nyex Rosalox and Nyex Ellenox – three revolutionary systems specifically designed for tertiary water treatment, each delivering spectacular (up to parts per billion) results treating many recalcitrant pollutants in industrial wastewater like PFAS, endocrine disruptors and antibiotics.

To see how Arvia Technology could benefit many water treatment systems worldwide, check the Arvia website or make contact to set up a one-to-one consultation with a water science expert.

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Our wastewater treatment expertise

Our water technology can be used to treat a variety of water treatment applications. Once we understand the nature of your wastewater and your final water quality target, our water treatment specialists can make recommendations as to how best to treat your water. Take a look at some of the Nyex applications here:

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