Beyond the reuse: Potentials and barriers for exchanging treated wastewater among the industries in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A major drawback in the present industrial system is that the industries are directly discharging industrial effluent to nearest waterbodies in a linear way. Even though, a few of industries have considered reusing treated and untreated wastewater in their industrial premises, it can be further extended towards ‘exchange’ among the multiple industries under the concept of Industrial Symbiosis (IS). Initiating IS-based treated wastewater exchange networks is a novel approach to Sri Lankan industries and there is a lack of a study on potentials and barriers of implementing the concept. Hence, this research aimed to investigate the potentials and barriers for exchanging treated wastewater among industries. In order to achieve the aim, 16 semi-structed interviews were conducted with industry experts in the field of Industrial Water Management (IWM) to collect the data. Code-based content analysis technique was used to analyse the data by applying QSR NVivo.12 software. Findings revealed geographical proximity of industries, willingness of industries to engage in water exchange and industry level water management initiatives as major potentials for initiating water exchange networks. Lack of expected water quality for industrial needs, outdated technologies used in water management and lack of expertise and awareness were identified as major barriers. Accordingly, strategies, such as introducing national policy enhancements, ensuring cultural adaptation, enhancing technology & infrastructure, and empowering research & development, were proposed to overcome the identified barriers to ensure a successful implementation of treated wastewater exchange networks targeting the socioeconomic development of the country.