Explain any three ways through which industrial pollution can be reduced.

(i) Minimising use of water for processing by reusing and recycling it in two or more successive stages.

(ii) Harvesting of rainwater to meet water requirements

(iii) Treating hot water and effluents before releasing them in rivers and ponds. Treatment of industrial effluents can be done in three phases-

(a) Primary treatment by mechanical means. This involves screening, grinding, flocculation and sedimentation.

(b) Secondary treatment by biological process.

(c) Tertiary treatment by biological, chemical, and physical processes. This involves recycling of wastewater.

(iv) Overdrawing of groundwater reserves by industry where there is a threat to groundwater resources also needs to be regulated legally.

(v) Particulate matter in the air can be reduced by fitting smoke stacks to factories with electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters, scrubbers, and inertial separators. Smoke can be reduced by using oil or gas instead of coal in factories.

(vi) Machinery and equipment can be used and generators should be fitted with silencers.

(vii) Almost all machinery can be redesigned to increase energy efficiency and reduce noise. Noise absorbing material may be used apart from personal use of earplugs and earphones. The challenge of sustainable development requires integration of economic development with environmental concerns.