Impact of toxic chemicals on local wastewater treatment plant and the environment

Journal Article · · Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01665370· OSTI ID:5764187

Bennett, G F ^[1]

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1. Toledo Univ., OH (USA)

Because toxic chemicals being discharged to sewers were simultaneously interfering with wastewater treatment processes of municipal, biological treatment plants and were passing through these plants to negatively impact the bodies of water to which these plants were discharging, the US Environmental Protection Agency issued regulations governing industrial discharges to municipal sewers. These Pretreatment Regulations limit industrial discharges to municipal sewers of heavy metals, oil and grease, acids and bases, and toxic organic chemicals. The evolution of these regulations is discussed, along with the basis for the regulations, the types of regulations and the rationale for the promulgation based on the impacts of toxic chemicals on the treatment plant and receiving system. Finally, the expected results of these regulations in reducing industrial discharges of toxic chemicals is discussed. The primary emphasis of the program is to control the discharge of toxic substances into the environment. Most toxic substances that enter a publicly operated treatment works (POTW) either leave in the effluent or are concentrated in the sludge. The potential acidification could occur in the sewer with conversion of the cyanide ion to toxic HCN gas. Oil and grease discharges present a potential for blockages or fire and/or explosion. Heavy metals and organics may inhibit biological processes and/or contaminate the sludge. Ultimately, the EPA estimates that full implementation of the pretreatment regulations for existing sources will bring about a reduction of 94% of the heavy metals and 47-60% of the primary organics discharged to sewers. 15 refs., 2 figs., 12 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 5764187
• Journal Information: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (USA), Journal Name: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (USA) Vol. 13:3; ISSN 0177-5146; ISSN EGWSE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
CONTROL
CYANIDES
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
LIQUID WASTES
MATERIALS
METALS
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
REGULATIONS
TOXIC MATERIALS
WASTE PROCESSING PLANTS
WASTE WATER
WASTES
WATER
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL