EFFECTIVENESS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHODOLOGIES AVAILABLE FOR TEXTILE INDUSTRIES IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

Textile industry is one o f the most income generating as well as polluting industries in Sri Lanka. The study was carried out to identify the methodologies available for waste treatment in Textile industry through analysis o f the effectiveness o f the available methodologies in terms o f quality o f the wastewater. The industries selected for the study were Hirdaramani,Melbourne Washing Plant, Ocean Lanka and Stretchline Private Limited. Both Melbourne and Hirdaramani use Pre treatment, Physical and Chemical treatment as well as Biological treatment. Ocean Lanka and Stretchline on the other hand used Pre treatment,Physical and Chemical treatment, but no Biological treatment. Hirdaramani show an overall efficiency o f 94% in decreasing BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand as well as TSS (Total Suspended Solid). Melbourne revealed an overall efficiency 9S% in same parameters. Ocean Lanka showed an overall efficiency o f 64% in decreasing BOD, COD, as well as TSS. Stretchline showed an overall efficiency o f 70% in all parameters. Hirdaramani and Melbourne show higher overall efficiencies compare to Ocean Lanka and Stretchline. This is due to the efficiency BOD, COD and TSS through Biolouical treatment. Sri Lanka standards set for wastewater release to the inland waters as obtained from the o treatment plants are as same as standard set by India, Thailand and Nepal. One o f the major current improvements in wastewater treatment in Textile industry is the availability of efficient laboratory facilities, and the reuse o f wastewater.