Water Pollution and Treatment

Water Pollution and Treatment

• Natural water isn't pure; rain dissolves air impurities. Surface pollutants and dissolved salts also contaminate water.
• Water treatment is needed for various uses (domestic, industrial, etc.). The level of treatment depends on the intended use.
• Using treated water creates more pollutants, requiring further treatment for reuse. Environmentally-conscious use is essential.
• Domestic and industrial water use adds contaminants and pollutants (chemicals harming people or the environment).
• Industrial discharge can harm soil, water bodies, and cause air pollution.

Industrial Waste Water Treatment

• Industries use water in many processes (manufacturing, heating, etc.).
• Almost all water used by industries becomes industrial waste water, discharged in the environment.
• Aim for eliminating or reducing industrial waste water, or treating it before discharge.
• Steps include minimizing fresh water use, reusing waste water, changing processes, and employing good housekeeping.
• Cautions include not harming product quality or machinery, accounting for residue and waste water treatment.

Categories of Industrial Pollutants

• Inorganic Pollutants: Alkalis, mineral acids, salts, chlorine, ammonia, sulfides, heavy metals (chromium, zinc, nickel, copper, cadmium, silver), anions (phosphates, sulfates, chlorides), cations (calcium, magnesium).
• Organic Pollutants: High molecular weight compounds (sugars, oils, fats, proteins, hydrocarbons), phenols, detergents, organic acids. Some are resistant to natural breakdown.
• Radioactive Material: Requires careful handling, treatment, and disposal.

Combined Industrial and Domestic Waste

• Combination of industrial and domestic waste within factory premises has unique characteristics.