Top Sources of Industrial Wastewater
A Look at Wastewater-Heavy Industries
Almost all industries produce some form of wastewater. Equipment designed for solid-liquid separation, such as a filter press, provides for the reuse of water and cost-effective disposal of dewatered solids. Here are some wastewater-heavy industries in the U.S. today.
Pulp and Paper
Paper manufacturing is an energy-and water-intensive industry. From biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand (COD), solids to chlorinated organic compounds, the pulp and paper industry generates a high volume of wastewater.
Mines and Quarries
Mining of metallic ores and precious metals can produce wastewater contaminated by rock particles, metals, acids and salts, as well as hydraulic oils.
Oil and Gas
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, produces large volumes of wastewater as a process for extracting shale gas. The wastewater may contain high concentrations of dissolved solids, radionuclides and metals.
Iron and Steel
The most common pollutants in the iron and steel sector are BOD, COD, oil, metals, acids, phenols and cyanide.
Food Industry
Wastewater produced as a by-product of the food industry is often biodegradable and nontoxic. However, it may contain high concentrations of BOD, suspended solids (SS) and even pesticides.
Chemicals
Using complex organic chemicals, the chemicals industry can generate wastewater contaminated by COD, organic chemicals, heavy metals, SS and cyanide.
Treating Industrial Wastewater
Since wastewater contaminants vary by industry, there are various approaches for separating solids from liquids for efficient disposal of waste and the reuse of water. Visit our Industries and Applications webpage to see more examples of wastewater-intensive industries and the types of equipment that is utilized.
Also, be sure to contact a member of our Sales and Service Team to learn more. M.W. Watermark can work with you to recommend the best equipment for your particular application.
About M.W. Watermark
M.W. WATERMARK wants to make a difference. We are passionate about the world’s water. We are innovative, focused on customer service and always try to exceed expectations. We are an environmentally conscious company with people who are energized, encouraged and inspired to make a difference on our planet by helping to keep our shared, finite water supply clean and usable for generations to come. We build amazing, custom water and wastewater treatment equipment. Together, we can make a difference.