Question 01

Food processing sector can be classified into four main groups; meat, poultry and sea food, dairy, fruit and
vegetables and beverage. Huge amount of water is use in the food industry for various purposes from raw
material to final product. Mainly water is use for washing and sanitizing the raw materials, processing
equipments and utensils, boil or cooling the raw materials, and for employee hygiene. Therefore various
constituents such as organic and inorganic materials, suspended solids, salts, acids, alkali, nutrients,
fertilizers, pesticides, fat and oil, microorganisms, metals, toxic substances, sanitizing products and
colorants are present in the food industry effluent. However there are low amount of toxic compounds in
food industry effluent related to the nonfood industries. And also food industry effluents are readily
degradable. Water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, total solids (TS), biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) give an idea about the state of waste water.

Wastewater of food industry causes various health, environmental and social problems and must be treated
prior to disposal. Based on the amount of gross removed matters, wastewater treatment can be classify in
to three major steps.

Primary treatment – 40% of suspended solids are removed from wastewater.

Secondary treatment – Non settable solids remaining in the wastewater after the primary treatment process
are removed. Treatment methods of this step are based on the oxidative or reductive degradation of organic
pollutants. BOD value of wastewater should less than 30 mg/l after the secondary treatment.

Tertiary treatment – Aim of this step is enhance the biological and chemical quality of effluents to a high
standard values. This step may include process to remove pesticides, nutrients such as phosphorous and
nitrogen, heavy metals, microbes and other substances remains after primary and secondary treatments.

Wastewater treatment methods can be classified into physical, chemical biological and thermal methods.

Physical Chemical Biological Thermal

methods methods methods methods
• Screening • Coagulation • Biomass • Oxidation
• Filtration • Flocculation fermentation • Drying
• Sedimentation • Oxidation
• Centrifugation

Screening

Screening is the first process carried out in wastewater treatment. This method is used to avoid interference
and equipment damage that can be happened due to large solids during next process. Screen has uniform
size openings witch can be retain solids present in wastewater. Screens may be of three different sizes, such
as 6-150mm (coarse screen), 1.5-6mm (fine screen) and 0.2-1.5mm (very fine screen). Communitors and
grinders are also attached to screening for reduce size of the particles in wastewater. In fish processing
plants simplest type of flow through static screens which have 1mm openings are used with very simple
setting tanks.

Figure 01: Screen used in fish Figure 02: Comminutor

processing plant

Sedimentation

Sedimentation process can be used as both primary and secondary treatment. This is the process of
removing the suspended solids in the waste water by gravitational setting. It is happened due to density
difference between water and the solid particles. Solid particles have high density than water and they tend
to settle at the bottom. To carry out the gravitational setting, sedimentation basins are constructed in
difference sizes and shape as required. There are four zones in the basin; inlet zone, sludge zone, setting
zone and outlet zone. The incoming wastewater is distributed uniformly through the inlet zone to the tank.
The heavier particles tends to settle in the setting zone and collected in the sludge zone at the bottom of the
tank. The water without solids is collected in the outlet zone.

Mechanical flocculation or chemical coagulation is normally applied in this process to enhance the
efficiency of sedimentation. In mechanical flocculation, water is gently stirring for tiny particles to bump
into each other and stick together to form large particle to settle down quickly. Metal ions which have high
charge density such as Al3+ are more likely to flocculation. In the chemical coagulation, chemicals are
applied to enhance the attraction forces of particles. Due to addition of chemicals, this is a chemical water
treatment method. Alum, Hydrated lime, Ferric chloride, Chlorinated copperas, Copperas, synthetic organic
polymers (Polyacrylamide) and natural organic polymers (Pectin) are the commonly used coagulants to
treat wastewater. Both flocculation and coagulation methods are employed prior to the filtration.

Figure 03: Sedimentation tank Figure 04: Shapes of basin in Sedimentation tank
Filtration

Filtration is a process of removing particles from wastewater by forcing water through a porous natural or
artificial media. Silt, clay and gravel are the example for natural media. Glass, nylon fiber and polymer are
the artificial media. Filtration is often employed in wastewater treatment after the primary and secondary
treatments with or without prior treatment by coagulation, sedimentation and flocculation. Use of rotary
vacuum filters for dewatering is the common method for filtration of sludge. The filtering substances of
pollutants, depends on the pore size of the filter media.

Microfiltration – Pore size of the membrane is 0.1 micron and it can remove all types of microorganisms
except viruses.

Ultrafiltration – Pore size of the membrane is 0.01 micron and it can remove most of microbes including
some viruses.

Nanofiltation – Pore size of the membrane is 0.001 micron and it can remove most organic molecules,
microbes including all viruses and range of salts.

Reverse osmosis – Pore size of the membrane is less than 0.001 micron and it can remove all microbes
(99% of bacteria), all minerals including essential minerals. In here 95-99% of total dissolved solids are
removed.

Biological methods

Aerobic, anaerobic or facultative anaerobic microorganisms are used to treat water in the biological
methods. Normally this method is apply to remove non settleable solids remaining after primary treatment.
This method is cost effective than chemical oxidation and thermal oxidation. During this method, organic
matters are degraded in to smaller molecules such as CO2, NH3, PO3-4.

Aerobic treatment

Microorganisms degrade organic wastes by using dissolved or free oxygen. Aeration processes are applied
to supply continuous oxygen supply to aerobic microorganisms. In the end sludge is formed as the by-
product. This processes cause to reduce approximately 85% of the BOD and TSS. There are two types of
aerobic treatment systems; fixed film systems and suspended growth system.

In the fixed film systems, biomass grows on a fixed media and wastewater passes over its surface. This
system requires viable microorganisms, oxygen and substrate. Trickling filter and rotating biological
contactor are the main two types of fixed film systems.

Trickling filter consists of tower filled with stones, wooden slats or plastic shapes. Wastewater is applied
either intermittently or continuously over the fixed media. The microorganisms attached to the fixed media
are formed a layer or biofilm. Oxygen is supplied to the biofilm either up or down through the media based
on the temperature of ambient air and waste water. The air can also be forced into the media. The thickness
of the biofilm increases due to growth of new organisms. A portion of the film slough off the media. The
sloughed material is separated from the liquid in a secondary clarifier and discharged to sludge processing.

Figure 05: Trickling filter

Rotating biological contactors is a film reactors which consists of stack of rotating discs mounted on a
horizontal shaft. The slowly rotating discs are partially submerged in the wastewater in the reactor. Oxygen
is transferred to wastewater by surface turbulence created by the rotation of discs. Sloughed materials of
biofilm are removed and discharged to sludged processing.

Figure 06: Rotating biological contactors

In the suspended growth system, biomass is well mixed with waste water. Activated sludge process,
oxidation ponds, aerated lagoons and stabilization ponds are the example for this system.

There are aerobic tank and sedimentation tank in activated sludge. This method utilizes aerobic
microorganism suspended in the wastewater in an aeration tank. Part of the organic compounds is
completely oxidized and other inorganic substances provides energy to sustain the microbial growth and
the formation of biomass. The flocs are kept in suspension by air blown into the bottom of the tank or by
mechanical aeration. The floc mixture moves from the aeration tank to sedimentation tank where it
combines to form larger particles that settle as sludge. Though the process is efficient, the disadvantage in
this process is the large quantities of sludge produced at the end of the process.

Figure 07: Activated sludge

Oxidation ponds are prepared to maintain proper oxygen transition between air and wastewater surface.
Photosynthetic algae also supply oxygen to the wastewater. Large area is required for this method and
water depth should less than 1m. Organic matter converted into CO 2, NO3- , HSO4-, and HPO42-.

Figure 08: Oxidation ponds

Aerated lagoon is a large holding tank witch lined with polythene, cement or rubber. Water depth is about
3-5m. Aeration is done by mechanical devices for 2-6 days. This method is required less land area than
oxidation ponds. Complete mix system is used to enough mixing energy input to keep all the bacterial solids
in the pond in suspension. In partial mix system, lesser energy is supply only for provide oxygen to BOD
reduction.

Figure 09: Aerated lagoon

Constructed wetlands are shallow ponds or channel made for aerobic decomposition of wastewater. Aquatic
plants are planted in the pond. These types of pons more suitable for developing countries and for warmer
climates. There are two types of wetland system; free water surface system (FWS) and subsurface flow
system (SFS). In FWS system, water level is maintained over the surface while in the SFS system water
level is maintained below the surface. SFS can be further categorized into two types based on pattern of
flow; horizontal and vertical.
 Figure 10: Free water surface system

Figure 11: Horizontal subsurface flow system Figure 12: Vertical subsurface flow system

Question 02

National green reporting system of Sri Lanka (NGRS) was established by the ministry of Environment, Sri
Lanka in 2011 based on the National Action Plan for the Haritha (Green) Lanka Programme that was
developed and launched in 2009. NGRS is focusing on economic, environmental and social aspects. It
promote the reporting in case of sustainability performance in service and manufacturing sectors.
Organizations able to continually improve their production process and services, relationship with
stakeholders and enhance their image while contributing towards the sustainable development of the
country.

Private and state manufacturing and service sectors should have to adopt their decisions and performance
regarding environmental implications. Because all most all activities of organization impact on the
environment. There are systems in organizations pertaining to the parameters for reporting. Informations
and results of the report indicate the continual improvement of organizations. There are some applicable
systems placed on environmental responsibilities. Because all economic activities have an impact on the
environment. Therefore NGRS point out considerations that organizations should concerned when making
decisions and implement activities.

Pollution prevention – Organizations have to identify pollution prevention aspects and impact of their
decisions and activates on the environment.
Sustainable resource use – Organizations have to ensure the available resources for the future and try to
shift renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, wind and timber while reducing utilization of
nonrenewable sources such as fossil fuel.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation – Organizations have to minimize the greenhouse gas emission
and adapt to the climatic changes.

Protection of environment, biodiversity and restoration of natural resources – Organization should involve
in protect the environment and restore natural habitats.

NGRS has introduced environmental performance indicators as a part of reporting indicators to show how
to obtain sustainability. These indicators cause to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of the material
utilization and reduction of the operational costs. Then the organization has to identify and report the
material utilization in volume/ weight out of total materials and purchased materials such as raw materials,
direct materials, process materials, nonrenewable materials, semi manufactured materials and packaging
materials.

Second indicator shows the importance of recyclable material usage for operations of the organization.
Operational cost reduction is a advantage of using recycled materials. Then organization have to identify
inputs as recycled materials and its percentage.

Third indicator give an idea on amount of direct energy and the sources of the energy that organization
should use. The energy that is used within organization’s surrounding or exported to other users is the direct
energy. Coal, oil, furnace oil and natural gas are the example for direct energy. Source of energy and the
amount of energy utilization of organization has direct impact on environmental quality and operational
costs. Improved energy efficiency impact on the issues occurred due to climate changes and other
environmental issues. Therefore organizations have to identify total energy savings to reduce the usage of
energy by reducing production capacity without outsourcing.

Fourth indicator is important to identify source of indirect energy and amount of indirect energy that an
organization uses. Energy that is produced outside the organization boundary from a primary energy source
is named as indirect energy. The electricity produced from natural gas is example for this. According to the
NGRS organizations firstly have to identify identify the amount of intermediate energy, non renewable
energy, renewable energy, purchased energy and consumed energy from external sources. Then
organization have to estimate the fuel consumed to produce purchased energy. And ultimately have to report
total amount of indirect energy used by indirect nonrenewable sources and indirect renewable sources in
terms of intermediate and corresponding primary energy. Therefore this process is important to reduce
direct unfavorable impact on the environment.

Water usefulness of the organization causes potential impact and risk for organization. Hence better
understanding about total water usefulness can improve the water efficiency. Therefore, organization gas
to identify the water withdrawn volume from the surface water from water streams, ground water, municipal
water supplies, rainwater collected by organizations and waste water from another organizations.
Wastewater disposal from various sources impact on the balance of surrounding environment by decreasing
the water table and water availability. Therefore organization has to identify, what is the source of water
withdrawal. Determination of size of water source is also important. Water usage efficiency of the
organization depend on the recycled and reused water amount and rate. Reuse and recycling water reduce
the cost and contribute to sustain national, local and regional water bodies. Ultimately organization has to
calculate and report the reused or recycled volume of water.

ENVT 11 and 12 indicate the importance of identifying and understanding the risk that can be pose on
biodiversity of surrounding area of the organization. This is important to manage impact on biodiversity.
Organization should have clear idea about organization’s geographical location, operation type and size in
the operational site and biodiversity value with the protected status in the list. Organization have to clearly
identify direct and indirect impacts on environment. They are pollution, construction of manufacturing
plant, mines as well as transport infrastructure, reduction of species and their habitats, introduction of
invasive species such as harmful microorganisms and pests and alteration of ecological processes outside
the natural range of variation.

ENVT 13 is help to understand their impact on greenhouse gas emission and how to reduce and mitigate
the level of greenhouse gas emissions. And also organization can compare their GHG emission with other
organization’s GHG emission. Organization can use methodology associated with the data with reference
to the following categories. Direct measurement through continuous online analyzers, calculations based
on site specific data such as fuel composition analysis, calculations based on default data and estimations
which are to be used due to lack of default figures. According to the NGRS there are several ways of direct
emissions of greenhouse gases. They are electricity, heat and steam generation, physical and chemical
processing, venting, other combustion process, transportation of materials, products and waste and fugitive
emissions. Therefore organization can understand the source of GHG emission and take actions to manage
them. NGRS indicate that organization have to identify indirect emissions of GHS also. Ultimately they
have to report total greenhouse gas emissions as the sum of direct and indirect GHS emissions in tonnes of
CO2 equivalent. Those data important to manage GHS and communicate the level of GHS emission with
other parties.

NOx, and SOx gases cause to acid rains and some other unfavorable environmental impacts. Therefore
NGRS provide indicators to organization to understand their impact on emission those type of gases and
shows the way of mitigating and reducing the level of emission. According to the NGRS it is important to
report the emission level of NOx, SOx, volatile organic compounds, persistent organic pollutants, hazardous
air pollutants, particular matters and stack and fugitive emissions.

The discharging effluent quality is directly impact on the ecosystem and the operational cost of the
organization. Therefore organizations have to improve their industry waste water quality prior to
discharging to the environment. It reduces the negative impacts. Organization has to identify the way of
planning wastewater discharging and reporting total volume in the destination, treatment method or other
organization that reusing.

Huge amount of waste is generated due to process of industries. These waste highly impact on environment.
Also high waste generation causes to reduce the profit of organization. Therefore NGRS give indicators to
help organization to understanding the effective waste reduction methods and practices and implementing
initiatives to improve waste reduction methods further. Implementation of these indicators leads to improve
productivity and process efficiency. Reuse, recycling, composting, landfilling, incineration and producing
energy or on site disposal methods are the NGRS recommendations on waste disposal methods. It is
necessary to identify the spills which can give negative impact for environment. Hazardous waste
management practices also critical and they should identify and reported continuously. NGRS promotes
organizations to best practices of sustainable production and consumption by reduction of waste.

Packages of food such as polythene covers, plastic cups and some metal containers are unfavorably effect
on the environment. NGRS provide indicators to extent to which an organizations products, materials or
components collected and converted into useful materials for new production processes and insights into
the organization’s practices in designing products and packages that can be reused or recycled.

ENVT 20 indicator the way of reduce negative environmental impact and enhance the positive impact of
its product and service design and delivery. Organizations have to maintain reports on those regularly.
Especially on used materials and water, emissions, effluent, waste and noise. Then organization can clearly
identify what should manage to mitigate environmental impact and take action on that.