At present, industrial wastewater discharged back into the environment varies greatly in quality and quantity between industries. The two largest polluters – the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries – are currently responsible for 92% of the toxic pollutants commonly found in EU wastewater streams, which has urged the European Commission to propose better wastewater management and monitoring. One of the key aspects of the monitoring system will also ensure wastewater is routinely checked for the presence of viruses, bacteria, and organic pollutants, as well as checking for anti-microbial resistance.
Last month, the European Commission presented an updated proposal for the European Green Deal which aims to introduce new, stricter rules on the treatment of wastewater, as well as additional rules around air, surface, and groundwater pollutants. While the proposal is still in the process of being considered by the European Parliament, it’s already clear how the updates will benefit the population and the wider environment.
Should these new rules be accepted, companies will be responsible for covering the costs of more effective wastewater treatment – but with soaring operational costs across all industries, it may be more difficult to implement than initially assumed.
At LAT Water, we work with businesses across a range of industries to help them reduce their costs and ensure more effective and efficient wastewater treatment at a fraction of the current costs of operation. We can achieve this through our revolutionary technology which has so far helped clients recover upwards of 90% clean water from complex wastewater streams. Our LAT Unit can be configured for wastewater containing any combination of chemicals, organic matter, methane, metals, and lots more; ensuring the outputs are fully compliant with regulations in your country (even if it is outside the EU).
See our frequently asked questions below:
How is industrial waste removed from water?
Unlike traditional methods which have a high energy requirement, LAT Water’s wastewater treatment solutions are able to recirculate water vapour through the LAT Unit system using waste heat as an energy source to supplement additional energy input: thus greatly reducing the cost of running and maintenance.
Through a humidification and dehumidification process, wastewater is separated into two product streams: one with clean distillate water, and one with a concentrated waste stream that can contain valuable salts and minerals which can be recovered for fertiliser and more.
How does industrial waste affect the environment?
When industrial wastewater is insufficiently treated and released back into the environment, it can be catastrophic for all ecosystems. Polluted water can be highly toxic depending on the industry it comes from, and can additionally become a breeding ground for water-borne bacteria which can spread disease at a very fast rate. This is why it’s so important to treat wastewater effectively, and why LAT Water are so passionate about providing cost-effective wastewater treatment solutions.
What does wastewater from industries contain?
Industrial wastewater can contain a wide range of substances depending on the industry it comes from. Some common contaminants include man-made chemicals, micro-organisms, pathogens, and suspended solids such as metals and plastics. Examples of these include copper and zinc from dye manufacturing, biocides and tannins from the paper industry, hydrogen peroxide and urea from the textiles industry, pesticides and insecticides from agricultural activities, mercury and chromium from power plants, and lots more.
Contact The LAT Water Team
Find out more about our wastewater treatment and wastewater management solutions by contacting our team on +44 (0)1635 635900 or emailing info@latwater.com. You can also download our corporate brochure for more details.
