Daunting challenges in industrial wastewater treatment
Date public: 08-05-2024||View: 1478
Industrial activities play a crucial role in the socio-economic development process but also pose significant risks of environmental pollution, particularly concerning industrial wastewater. The treatment of industrial wastewater is an urgent and strategic responsibility that contributes to environmental protection, ensuring public health, and promoting sustainable development.
1. Current Situation of Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Currently, the treatment of industrial wastewater is a concerning issue. Data shows that approximately 218 industrial parks (IPs) have invested in centralized wastewater treatment systems according to standards, accounting for about 75% of the total number of operating IPs. However, around 34 IPs are still in the process of building similar systems.
Despite these efforts, a significant number of IPs have yet to invest in properly standardized wastewater treatment systems. Daily, a large amount of wastewater is discharged directly into the environment from these IPs, causing severe pollution. The impact of this issue is not only limited to the environment but also affects the lives and health of residents in the surrounding areas.
The substandard wastewater treatment situation in many IPs remains a major challenge.
According to data from the Department of Industry and Trade, there are currently about 968 industrial clusters (ICs) nationwide, of which only about 141 clusters meet the standards for industrial wastewater treatment. However, with 730 ICs in operation, they have created a large workforce, attracting thousands of investment projects, contributing to economic and social development.
The substandard wastewater treatment in many industrial parks and clusters remains a significant challenge. Although progress has been made, wastewater treatment still requires focus and investment to protect the environment and public health.
2. Causes of the Challenges in Industrial Wastewater Treatment
The challenges in industrial wastewater treatment in Vietnam today stem from the following main reasons:
2.1 Outdated and Deteriorating Systems
Many industrial parks were built a long time ago, and their wastewater treatment systems have not been upgraded, leading to degradation and low treatment efficiency, failing to meet the increasingly stringent requirements for wastewater quality. Advanced and highly effective treatment technologies have not been widely applied, especially for complex and hazardous industrial wastewater.
2.2 Lack of Comprehensive Planning
The lack of coordinated planning in industrial parks has led to improperly arranged wastewater treatment systems, making operation and management difficult. Many small-scale industrial parks lack centralized wastewater treatment systems, resulting in untreated wastewater being directly discharged into the environment, causing severe pollution.
2.3 Poor Legal Compliance
Some enterprises in industrial parks discharge untreated wastewater illegally for profit, violating environmental protection regulations. Inspections and supervision are not stringent enough, and violations are not severely penalized, leading to frequent illegal discharges. There is also a lack of educational and awareness programs for the public and businesses about the importance of environmental protection, especially regarding the harmful effects of industrial wastewater pollution.
2.4 Resource Constraints
The high costs of investing in and operating wastewater treatment systems exceed the financial capacity of many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. There is a shortage of skilled personnel in managing and operating wastewater treatment systems, leading to inefficient system operation and substandard treated wastewater quality.
3. Consequences of Ineffective Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Ineffective industrial wastewater treatment can lead to serious consequences for the environment, human health, and the economy, specifically:
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Untreated or poorly treated wastewater discharged into the environment will pollute surface water and groundwater, directly affecting drinking water sources and water used for agricultural and aquaculture production.
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Industrial wastewater often has unpleasant colors and odors, affecting the environmental landscape, especially in areas surrounding industrial parks.
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The costs associated with treating polluted water and mitigating environmental pollution are a significant burden on the state budget and businesses.
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Ineffective industrial wastewater treatment can harm the country's reputation in attracting foreign investment, particularly in industries with high potential for environmental pollution.
These issues in industrial wastewater treatment in Vietnam arise from multiple causes, including outdated systems, lack of comprehensive planning, poor legal compliance, and resource constraints.
Environmental Company Dai Nam is proud to be a leading company in the field of wastewater treatment in Vietnam. With over 10 years of experience, the company has provided effective wastewater treatment solutions for many industrial parks across the country. Contact us at 0909 378 796 for consultation and support regarding industrial wastewater treatment issues.*
