Evaluation of Methods and Efficiencies of Industrial Wastewater Treatment in Turkey

This study examined wastewater characterizations and treatment processes of thirteen different factories selected among the country's four common sector and its example industries. These sectors were selected as; metal, food, textile and chemistry. In addition, attempts were made in this study to examine the effectiveness of treatment processes applied in these factories and their efficiency was evaluated. These experiences are described concerning the application of physical, chemical and biological processes in the treatment of industrial wastewater in combination with other advanced processes. It was determined that different parameters were significant in different industries. The wastewater generated from various industrial activities was highly contaminated with organic matters as indicated by Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) (2106 – 8546 mg/l), Suspended Solids (SS) (895 – 2300 mg/l) and oil grease (75 – 500 mg/l). All overall appraisals of the analytical data from the industrial wastewater indicate that treatment is required for all industrial sectors to achieve compliance with the “Turkish Water Pollution and Control Regulation” which requires effective treatment of industrial wastewater prior to its discharge. Keywords: Industrial Wastewater Treatment, Method, Efficiency, Discharge