Freshwater and Industries

Abstract

Industries require large amounts of water which are used by various industries around the world at different rates and in different ways. Global water consumption has consistently been increasing since the 1980s and is expected to continue due to rising demands. Currently industrial water consumption is described as a major drain on the world's limited water supply and it is expected that the water demand will exceed current supply by 40% by 2030. The use of water for industrial processes as well as the discarding of wastewater can have various impacts if not properly managed and controlled. The continued increase of industrial water use accompanied by continued population and socio-economic growth will consequently exacerbate current effects of industrial water use and cause greater future challenges. Industries are a huge source of pollution around the world as they produce pollutants which can be very harmful to both the environment and the human population. Freshwater resources around the world are faced with significant pollution problems, some more than others. The expanding industrial base with accompanied pollution have placed additional pressure on existing water and often causes water resources to no longer be suitable for human consumption or other uses. Water is at increased risk worldwide and industrial sectors will have to implement various strategies to minimize this risk in the future.