Analysis of how to control the pollution due to wastewater from textile industry
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Date
2001-11-16
Authors
Abeyarathne, W. G. N. S.
Karunarathne, D. G. G. P.
Herath, G. B. B.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Abstract
The textile and garments industry is the largest industrial sector in Sri Lanka. Direct and
indirect employments in these industries are estimated to be over 500,000. The textile industry
manufactures finished cloth from imported raw materials. Manufacture of finished cloth from
raw fibre (cotton and synthetic) involves 3 major operations as, spinning, weaving/knitting and
finishing. Spinning and weaving are essentially dry processes and cause therefore relatively
minor pollution problems. Significant pollution problems are, however, caused by the various
finishing operations, including desizing, washing, scouring, mercerizing, bleaching,
dyeing/printing and various types of final treatment processes. The finishing processes consume
large quantities of water producing substantial volumes of liquid waste, which is a significant
source of water pollution in Sri Lanka.
The textile processing industry in Sri Lanka is probably the 2nd largest polluter after the
natural rubber industries, which jointly generates a liquid waste load of about 45,000kg
COD/day (Industrial pollution control guidelines from CEA). This wastewater contains various
compounds, which are harmful for the aquatic environment and are toxic for human and animal
in cases of ingestion or physical contact. Textile processing wastewater contain oil, dye and
biodegradable organic compounds, which may cause anaerobic conditions in receiving surface
waters, resulting in die off of fish and other water organisms and emission of foul odours.
Wastewater treatment systems of textile processing industries generally consist of
biological and/or physical/chemical treatment processes, or combinations of these processes.
After these processes the treated water discharges to the nearby stream. The chemical and bio
sludge resulting from the process are subjected to drying on a sand bed and then discharges
without further treatment (normally used for land filling).
The aim of this research is to analyse how to control and minimize the pollution due to
this wastewater & sludge discharge. The production of waste from textile processing operations
can be prevented or reduced by numerous different measures. Such measures include
replacement of toxic process by less harmful chemicals, process modifications and good
housekeeping practices. Similarly the sludge also can be analysed for the harmful substances
and we can find methods to treat them.
Description
Keywords
Pollution , Wastewater , Textile
Citation
Proceedings & abstracts of the Annual Research Sessions 2001,University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka,pp.184