Reusing industrial wastewater not only helps reduce operational costs but also contributes to environmental protection and meets increasingly stringent water resource management regulations. With the advancement of technology, wastewater reuse has become an inevitable trend in modern industry. Let’s explore the details with Đại Nam in the article below!
1. Regulations on Industrial Wastewater Reuse
In Vietnam, based on the Law on Environmental Protection (LEP) 2020 and Decree 05/2025/NĐ-CP (amending and supplementing several articles of Decree 08/2022/NĐ-CP), the reuse of wastewater is governed by specific requirements:
According to Clause 2, Article 72 of the LEP 2020:
"Wastewater is encouraged to be reused when it meets environmental protection requirements and the intended purpose of water use."
According to Clause 3, Article 74 of Decree 05/2025/NĐ-CP:
"Wastewater may be reused when it complies with environmental protection standards and meets industry-specific technical standards appropriate for the intended use."
Specific provisions include:
a) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issues technical regulations and guidelines for using treated wastewater for irrigation or for reuse of wastewater from livestock or agricultural by-products. In the absence of national standards, standards from developed industrialized countries may be applied.
b) Ministries or equivalent authorities may issue regulations for wastewater recycling or reuse in production, business, and services within their jurisdiction, after consulting with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment — unless the recycled wastewater will continue to be collected and treated before discharge.
Reusing industrial wastewater must strictly comply with legal regulations
2. Benefits of Industrial Wastewater Reuse
Reusing industrial wastewater brings significant benefits to both businesses and the environment. Primarily, it is a cost-effective solution, helping enterprises save on water input expenses, especially as industrial water prices continue to rise in many regions.
Instead of completely discarding used water, businesses can recover and treat it for reuse, thereby reducing costs related to water supply and final wastewater treatment. Beyond economic advantages, this practice helps ease pressure on national water resources, reduces pollution, and improves environmental quality.
3. Advanced Technologies in Industrial Wastewater Reuse
3.1. MBR Membrane Technology
The Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) combines biological treatment with membrane filtration, offering high treatment efficiency and superior effluent quality. With its semi-permeable membrane structure, the MBR system retains almost all bacteria, suspended solids, and non-biodegradable organic matter, resulting in high-quality water suitable for various industrial reuse purposes.
3.2. UF (Ultrafiltration) Membrane
UF is a low-pressure filtration technology capable of removing suspended solids, colloids, microorganisms, and certain bacteria from water. It is often used as a pretreatment step before RO or as a final step in systems where high purity is not required. UF systems are stable, resistant to clogging, and easy to maintain.
3.3. RO (Reverse Osmosis) Membrane
RO is one of the most advanced solutions for water treatment, particularly in wastewater reuse. It can remove up to 99% of impurities, heavy metals, ions, and microorganisms, producing ultra-pure water suitable for demanding industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food processing. Although the initial investment is relatively high, RO systems offer long-term efficiency and consistent water quality.
Modern and cost-effective technologies are making industrial wastewater reuse more feasible than ever
Reusing industrial wastewater is not only a financial advantage but also a strategic move toward sustainable development. Đại Nam, with years of experience in wastewater treatment and environmental solutions, is committed to providing optimal solutions tailored to your business needs.
