Industrial wastewater now more complex to treat: Waste firm

Manufacturing advances mean it may have higher variety of chemicals

- Chin Hui Shan

Advancements in manufacturing have made industrial wastewater more complicated to treat, but proper treatment of such water is a critical pillar of Singapore's water security, now strengthened by upcoming stricter regulations.

"It used to be easier to treat wastewater from industries. Waste streams have evolved and become more complex as materials used have become more unique," said Mr Larry Cheong, business development director of waste management firm Eco Special Waste Management.

For example, industrial waste now may contain a higher variety of chemicals, which may warrant more complex treatment needed to remove them.

"Wastewater from pharmaceutical plants may have fluctuating pH levels or contain various sludges and solvents, which is inevitable," Mr Cheong said.

The company on Dec 16 demonstrated to media some of the best practices to process industrial wastewater to ensure it is safe for disposal.

Toxic and harmful discharge into sewers can disrupt treatment processes at the water reclamation plants (WRPs). For instance, microbes used to treat used water at these plants may be killed.

The illegal discharge of volatile organic substances, such as benzene, can also pose a danger to workers who maintain the sewers and WRPs. They may inhale the toxic fumes, or the highly flammable substances may cause fires and explosions.