MEV 015: Unit 14 - Industrial and Bio Medical Waste Management

Unit 14: Industrial and Biomedical Waste Management

14.1 Introduction

Industrial and biomedical waste are two major types of waste that can seriously harm the environment and human health if not properly managed. Industrial waste comes from factories and production units, while biomedical waste comes from hospitals and clinics. These wastes may contain hazardous substances, chemicals, and disease-causing germs. This unit explains the sources, classification, treatment, and proper disposal methods for both types of waste.


14.2 Objective

The main goals of this unit are:

·         To understand what industrial and biomedical waste are

·         To know the sources and types of these wastes

·         To learn how these wastes are treated, managed, and safely disposed of

·         To understand the importance of safe handling and proper regulation


14.3 Industrial Waste

Industrial waste is the waste generated during manufacturing, mining, and other industrial processes. It may include chemicals, metals, plastics, ash, sludge, and other harmful substances.


14.3.1 Sources of Industrial Waste

Industrial waste can come from a variety of sources such as:

·         Chemical industries (producing acids, solvents, etc.)

·         Textile industries (dyes, fabric waste)

·         Food processing units (organic waste, oil)

·         Paper and pulp industries (wood particles, bleaching agents)

·         Mining operations (dust, heavy metals)

·         Thermal power plants (fly ash, coal residues)


14.3.2 Classification of Industrial Waste

Industrial waste is broadly classified into:

·         Hazardous waste: Toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive materials that are dangerous to health and the environment.

·         Non-hazardous waste: Waste that is not dangerous but still needs proper handling (e.g., paper, plastic, packaging waste).

·         Liquid waste: Wastewater from cooling, cleaning, or chemical processes.

·         Solid waste: Scraps, metal pieces, dust, etc.

·         Semi-solid waste: Sludge from treatment plants or machines.


14.4 Management of Industrial Waste

Managing industrial waste involves several steps:

·         Reduction at source: Using eco-friendly technologies and minimizing waste production.

·         Segregation: Separating hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

·         Treatment: Using physical, chemical, or biological methods to reduce harmful effects.

·         Recycling and reuse: Recovering useful materials from waste.

·         Safe disposal: Using landfills, incinerators, or other approved disposal methods.
Industries must follow government rules and ensure proper documentation and waste handling practices.


14.5 Biomedical Waste

Biomedical waste is waste generated from hospitals, clinics, labs, and other healthcare facilities. It includes used syringes, bandages, tissues, body fluids, medicines, and sharp instruments like blades and needles. This waste can carry infections and diseases if not handled properly.


14.6 Treatment and Disposal of Biomedical Waste

Biomedical waste is first segregated at the source into different color-coded bins (as per government rules). After that, the waste is treated using methods like:

·         Autoclaving: Using steam under pressure to kill germs

·         Microwaving: Using heat from microwaves to disinfect waste

·         Chemical disinfection: Adding chemicals to kill pathogens

·         Shredding: Cutting waste into small pieces to make it unrecognizable before disposal

These methods help reduce the risk of infection and make the waste safer for final disposal.


14.7 Disposal Techniques of Biomedical Waste

Once the biomedical waste is treated, it is disposed of through:

·         Incineration: Burning at high temperatures to reduce waste to ash

·         Landfilling: Burying treated non-infectious waste in safe landfill sites

·         Deep burial: For remote areas with no access to incinerators, treated waste is buried deep underground

·         Recycling (in limited cases): Certain treated plastics or metals may be recycled under strict safety conditions

Proper labeling, handling, and transportation of biomedical waste are essential to avoid accidents and spread of disease.


14.8 Let Us Sum Up

Industrial and biomedical wastes are dangerous forms of waste that must be managed carefully. Industrial waste comes from factories and may be hazardous or non-hazardous. Biomedical waste comes from hospitals and can spread infections. Proper segregation, treatment, and disposal techniques must be followed for both types of waste to protect human health and the environment. Following safety rules and guidelines is the key to effective waste management.

 

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