Canada has one of the largest renewable water supplies in the world. But according to the Government of Canada website, over 150 billion litres of untreated and under treated wastewater (sewage) is still dumped into waterways annually. Water recycling in Canada is done on a relatively small scale and depends on policies enacted by the provincial government, as well as local municipalities. Factors such as availability of water supplies, suitability of receiving water systems and transport of wastewater effluents, affects wastewater management. The country faces other challenges such as aging infrastructure that could increase the chances of contaminants entering the water supply. Cross-connection between water infrastructure and sewage lines or chemical feeds could leak harmful substances into pipelines that may go undetected.
Industrial wastewater is type of liquid discharge that results from industrial activities such as manufacturing, mining and power generation. The production of food and beverage, textiles, paper, personal hygiene and cleaning products, as well was oil production, all contribute to wastewater effluents that must be managed properly to ensure safety of our health and the environment.
The industrial sector is estimated to take up about 80% of total water intake. About 40% of this is recycled. Thermal-electric power producers accounted for 86% of wastewater discharge, followed by manufacturing industries (12%) and mining industries (2%). Thermal-electric power producers use large quantities of water for cooling, condensing and steam.
Ammonia and nitrate make up 90% of the total tonnage of substances released into water by industrial facilities. Other pollutants include sulfur, asbestos, poisonous solvents, polychlorinated biphenyl, lead, mercury, nitrates, phosphates, acids, alkalies, dyes, pesticides, benzene, chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Most of these compounds are toxic to marine life and are potential carcinogens. Ingesting water tainted with asbestos may result in higher risks for benign intestinal polyps.
Canada has several environmental protection laws that ensure wastewater must be free from harmful chemicals before it can be released back into the water system or made into bio-solid fertilizers. These include organic matter, inorganic matter (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc), pathogens, and nutrients (most notably nitrogen and phosphorus).
There are two options to treat industrial wastewater, one is to send the untreated wastewater to the local municipal treatment plant, but this can be quite expensive. Another option is to treat wastewater at the factory or industrial facility. This is made possible by using the appropriate treatment technology.
Manufacturing
Water is vital in the production process. It may be a central part of the product itself, or it may be used for cleaning or moving materials. It may also be utilized for cooling or producing steam. Water is important in keeping the manufacturing plant clean and for personal sanitation.
Manufacturing industries release most of their wastewater (75%) to surface freshwater bodies, tidewater (11%) and to public and municipal sewers (10%). Of the water discharged by manufacturers, 38% was untreated.
Mining
Mining facilities usually involve multifaceted processes that are located in or near diverse and sensitive areas. These operations produce displaced tailings and waste rock that also contribute to wastewater and air contaminants. If left untreated, mining can negatively impact ground water and air quality, as well as drinking water supplies. Mining can have extensive impact on aquatic and terrestrial habitat.
Mining industries released most of their wastewater (73%) to surface freshwater, while discharging another 11% to tailing ponds and 9% to groundwater. Metal mines take up the largest proportion of wastewater discharge. In the mining industry about 60% of wastewater is not treated before discharge.
Thermal-electric power generation
Thermal power generating stations need huge quantities of water to create steam, which in turn drives turbines.
Thermal-electric power generation industries discharged 95% of their wastewater to surface freshwater bodies. Around 59% is untreated water is discharged back into the water system.
Oil and Gas
Water is a significant element in the oil and gas industry. It facilitates mineral and fossil fuel extraction and maintains pore pressures for on-site metal processing. For example, in Alberta, the oil sands require up to four barrels of water to process one barrel of oil. The Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant in Edmonton recycles water for on-site purposes such as tank washing, equipment wash-down and sludge thickening. It also provides up to 10 million litres of recycled water to the nearby Petro-Canada refinery.
Canada has implemented The Water Resources Act to conserve, protect, and manage water resources for efficient and sustainable use. The act sets guidelines for sewage disposal and forbids the discharge of harmful substances that may negatively impact water quality.
The trend of water reuse, recycling, and reclamation will continue to accelerate in Canada. With effective public policy, clear regulations and standards, as well as robust research and development, the country is poised to become a world leader in the water industry.
If you are a municipality in Ontario and in need of a biosolids management solution, please feel free to contact us at 1 (877) 479-1388.
Sources:
https://www.canada.ca
http://cwwa.ca
https://www.statcan.gc.ca
http://uvpure.com
https://www.tandfonline.com