The ball was set rolling for better treatment of effluent generated by textile units in the SIPCOT Industrial Estate earlier this month with a preliminary study undertaken by a senior scientist of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
The scientist, J. Daniel Chellappa, was shown the working of the textile units and pattern of effluent generation by secretary of Perundurai SIPCOT Textile Processors Association Selvaraj.
The Association is keen to incorporate the right technologies to mitigate the crisis affecting its member units. In particular, stand alone dying units are unable to withstand the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board norms and their survival is at stake. They are struggling to comply with the Supreme Court-mandated ZLD (Zero Liquid Discharge).
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According to Mr. Daniel Chellappa, super adsorbent technology that holds out hope for cost-effective effluent treatment fulfilling TNPCB stipulations would be tested on a pilot basis for adaptability, and subsequently broad based.
According to the records maintained by the TNPCB, the daily intake is 300 lakh litres of which the industries recover and reuse more than 250 lakh litres. The new technology is expected to cut down the cost incurred on water recovery for reuse substantially.
The BARC would be carrying out the pilot test under its Societal Initiative. Application of latest technology with full participation of private industries was vital for water conservation, Mr. Daniel Chellappa said.
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The higher capital and operating costs in achieving zero liquid discharge had turned unviable for industries.
The Association would associate itself with BARC in consultation with TNPCB to adopt and implement the new technology, Mr. Selvaraj said.