Sustainable wastewater management strategies for chemical industries: a case study on hybrid ETO and EoP systems

ABSTRACT Effective water management is crucial for chemical industries with multi-product batch processes, where significant fresh water is used for equipment washing. Much of this water is discharged into reservoirs or nearby water sites, making pre-treatment essential. Traditional methods like pollution prevention, recycling, and end-of-pipe (EoP) treatment address contamination, but the present study integrating early treatment options (ETOs) with EoP can enhance system efficiency by reducing pollutant loads at the source. Our study explores the hybrid approach of combining ETO with EoP to improve the performance. By applying this method to three pharmaceutical batch process plants, we observed a 70% reduction in effluent load from equipment washing and a 60–70% decrease in coagulant use during primary treatment, compared to conventional EoP systems. This approach not only offers practical benefits for various chemical industries but also aligns with the United Nations' sustainable development goals, promoting better water management and conservation.