Waste Minimization Promotes Biophysical Treatment of Complex Petrochemical Wastes in Israel

A full-scale 300 m³/day industrial waste treatment system was put into operation in a petrochemical manufacturing plant in Israel for the purpose of detoxifying its complex organic waste stream. The GPI treatment plant design incorporates an innovative waste management approach to accommodate the limited space allocated for the facility. It employs influent equalization and waste minimization techniques, in support of an advanced biophysical treatment process to accomplish a substantial reduction in the facility footprint while producing a high quality effluent. Initial performance data indicate a highly efficient organic waste reduction. COD and BOD removal surpassed 95% and 98%, respectively, over the initial two months of operation, meeting the stringent effluent discharge criteria. The system also provides effective sludge dewatering, producing 40-50% solids sludge, thereby minimizing sludge disposal costs.