Title: Reutilization of wastewater in a rubber-based processing factory: a case study in Southern Thailand
Abstract: After Malaysia, Thailand is the world second largest exporter of natural rubber. However, the processing of natural rubber prior to manufacture into rubber products requires excessive use of groundwater for its operation and discharges considerable quantities of wastewater. Overexploitation of groundwater from aquifer creates a serious threat to the source of potable water supply. Therefore, there is much need to develop sustainable practices for the improvement of in-plant wastewater control and recycling management. The overall water balance for the whole factory shows that 70% of the wastewater is generated from the washing process and ends up in the wastewater treatment plant. With the aim to reduce raw water consumption and amount of wastewater discharge to a nearby river, the concepts of water conservation and wastewater reuse are incorporated as a package of the improved wastewater treatment system. For water reuse purpose, an activated sludge plant coupled with anaerobic and aerobic systems is recommended to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment system. By employing rock bed filtration for polishing effluent of treatment plant, raw water consumption is reduced by 69% and achieves a 77% reduction in the water discharged to the river.
Publication Year: 2003
Publication Date: 2003-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 44
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