Water is one of the most important solvent or component used in the chemical industry. From the water used in formulas, to the water used for mixers and reactor washing operations, for a proper management of the whole water cycle, from inlet to final discharge, an effective wastewater treatment in the chemical industry is a primary importance issue to face.
Wastewater treatment in chemical industry: how we treat chemical waste in water
The chemical industry has a significant impact on the environment since its effluents often contain high concentrations of organic and inorganic compounds. Many substances used in the chemical industry are toxic, carcinogenic or almost non-biodegradable as, for instance, surfactant and petroleum hydrocarbons; for this reason, chemical industry wastewater treatment is essential, now more than ever.
Main activities of this strategic industry can be summarized as:
- synthesis and manufacturing of chemicals
- production of detergents and other products for cleaning
- production of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides
- production of explosives
- production of additives, colorants, resins and polymers for a wide range of industries
- production of DEMI water for various purposes
- laboratory and analysis tests and trials.
In all these applications, a proper chemical industry wastewater treatment must aim at:
- COD (chemical oxygen demand) reduction
- ammonium reduction
- sulfates reduction
- chlorides reduction