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Transforming Wastewater with our Leading Chemical Solutions
Wastewater treatment plants act as guardians of our ecosystems, ensuring that harmful contaminants and pollutants are effectively removed from wastewater before it is discharged back into the environment. Industrial wastewater treatment plays a pivotal role in maintaining environmental sustainability, and the choice of chemicals used in the treatment process is crucial.
In our commitment to supplying leading wastewater treatments to industry, we bring you a closer look at the key features that set our chemical solutions apart. From their ability to enhance processing efficiency to their environmentally conscious applications including contributing to a circular economy, our chemicals are designed with a focus on both performance and sustainability. Whether it’s addressing specific contaminants or ensuring compliance with discharge standards, our solutions provide optimal benefits in the field of wastewater management.
types of industrial wastewater
Industrial wastewater refers to the water that becomes contaminated during industrial processes and activities. It is generated by various industries and often contains a mix of pollutants, chemicals, and other harmful substances. The composition of industrial wastewater can vary widely depending on the specific processes involved in the industrial activities.
Key characteristics of industrial wastewater include:
| Chemical Contaminants | Industrial processes often involve the use of various chemicals, some of which can end up in wastewater. These chemicals may include solvents, heavy metals, acids, and alkalis. |
| Organic and Inorganic Compounds | Wastewater from industrial sources may contain organic compounds, such as oils, greases, and hydrocarbons, as well as inorganic compounds like ammonia and phosphates. |
| Heavy Metals | Many industrial activities produce wastewater containing heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and chromium. These metals can be toxic and pose environmental and health risks. |
| Suspended Solids | Solid particles, such as sediment, sludge, and other suspended solids, can be present in industrial wastewater. These particles can affect water clarity and contribute to environmental degradation. |
| High Temperatures | Some industrial processes generate heated wastewater, contributing to thermal pollution when discharged into water bodies. Elevated temperatures can adversely affect aquatic ecosystems. |
| Pathogens | Wastewater from certain industries may contain harmful microorganisms and pathogens. If not properly treated, this can pose risks to public health and the environment. |
| pH Imbalance | Industrial processes can lead to wastewater with imbalanced pH levels, either too acidic or too alkaline. This can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems |
| Nutrient Discharges | Industries may release wastewater with high nutrient levels, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can contribute to nutrient imbalances in receiving water bodies. |
types of chemicals used in wastewater treatment
Wastewater treatment involves a series of processes designed to remove contaminants and pollutants from water before it is discharged back into the environment. Various chemicals play a crucial role in facilitating these processes, ensuring effective treatment and protection of water quality. Four main types of chemicals commonly used in wastewater treatment are pH neutralizers, anti-foaming agents, coagulants, and flocculants.
| Chemical Type | Purpose | Function | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH Neutralisers | Maintain and regulate wastewater pH levels. | Stabilize pH levels to ensure optimal conditions for treatment processes. | Prevents corrosiveness or inefficiency in downstream treatment steps. |
| Anti-Foaming Agents | Control and reduce foam formation. | Suppress foam to enhance process efficiency and prevent overflow issues. | Ensures smooth operation by mitigating the negative impacts of excessive foam. |
| Coagulants | Aid in the aggregation of particles. | Causes small particles to clump together for easier removal. | Improves the efficiency of sedimentation and filtration processes. |
| Flocculants | Promote the formation of larger particles. | Encourage the accumulation of fine particles into larger, settleable flocs. | Enhances the sedimentation and filtration of impurities in wastewater. |
The Benefits of Magnesium Hydroxide in Wastewater Treatment Processes
Magnesium hydroxide is a non-hazardous chemical inorganic compound used to treat effluents in both aerobic and anaerobic biological wastewater plants. Its non-toxic nature makes it a safe choice, aligning with sustainability goals. In aerobic systems, it aids in optimising conditions for microbial activity, while in anaerobic systems, it contributes to pH stability, supporting effective treatment.
Formulated for safe and efficient Wastewater Management
Industrial wastewater management practices should aim to minimise environmental impact, protect ecosystems, and ensure the well-being of surrounding communities. Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) has emerged as a game-changer in this field, offering a stable suspension in water and providing numerous benefits for wastewater treatment.
controlling pH and providing alkalinity
Acidic water is highly corrosive and can lead to metal leaching, making it more damaging than neutral or alkaline water. Two commonly used substances for increasing alkalinity or neutralising acids in this context are magnesium hydroxide and caustic soda.
Take a look at how they compare: Caustic soda, known for its potent alkali properties, swiftly elevates the pH level to 12 or higher when introduced into industrial processes. In contrast, magnesium hydroxide, while also serving as an alkalinity booster, exhibits a more gradual reaction, reaching a pH of 9 or 10. This variance in pH adjustment speed holds crucial implications, particularly in processes where a controlled and measured approach is necessary.
Microorganism Safety and Environmental Impact
A notable advantage of magnesium hydroxide is its safety for microorganisms in biological treatment plants. Its buffering at a lower pH level ensures a more favourable environment for the thriving of these microorganisms, contributing to the effectiveness of biological wastewater treatment. Additionally, magnesium hydroxide is non-hazardous, making it a safer alternative to handle compared to caustic soda, which poses greater risks in terms of safety and environmental impact.
Dosing Efficiency and Cost Considerations
When it comes to dosing volumes, magnesium hydroxide demonstrates a notable advantage. It requires 25% less dosage compared to a 50% caustic soda solution to achieve equivalent alkalinity. This efficiency stems from the fact that magnesium hydroxide contains more hydroxide ions per molecule than caustic soda. Considering the significant cost difference between these two chemicals, potential savings in industrial applications can be substantial.
Phosphate removal and recovery
Phosphate removal from wastewater is achieved using chemicals such as magnesium hydroxide. This process transforms phosphate into struvite, which can be recovered and repurposed, creating a circular phosphate cycle. By reusing struvite as a fertilizer, the approach not only removes pollutants but also contributes to the sustainable and efficient management of phosphate in wastewater treatment.
The Nutrient Platform is dedicated to sustainable nutrient management by establishing a market for recycled nutrients.
sludge dewatering
Sludge dewatering is a vital stage in wastewater treatment. It involves reducing the moisture content in sludge to reduce its overall mass. This contributes to cost savings by reducing the volume of sludge that needs to be managed and transported. This process becomes even more effective and environmentally friendly when employing magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium hydroxide not only separates water from the sludge more easily but also assists in improving the sludge quality.
removing heavy metals from industrial wastewater
Copper, cadmium, chromium, nickel, cobalt, lead, and zinc are metals commonly found in industrial wastewater streams, and their removal is vital for environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Magnesium hydroxide provides an effective and environmentally friendly solution, contributing to the overall purification of waste streams and the reduction of metal pollution in water bodies.
Where to Buy Magnesium Hydroxide
At Biocel we are leading suppliers to the Irish wastewater treatment industry of high-quality Magnesium Hydroxide which works in compliance with REACH, (the pan-European regulation for the registration, evaluation, and authorisation of chemicals)
Click here for a complete list of services or contact our highly knowledgeable team at Biocel. We are ready to demonstrate how our chemicals can significantly enhance and enrich your industrial processes.
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