Simulation and experimental studies to enhance water reuse and reclamation in India’s largest dairy industry

Abstract

The stringent norms laid down by Pollution Control Boards in India are forcing dairy industries to have efficient waste water treatment processes and zero discharge treatment units. However, there are no standard protocols available to reduce waste water and encourage water reclamation and sustainability. To address this issue, a framework for water reclamation and reuse is developed for India’s largest dairy industry called Amul Dairy. In this work, the sources of waste water are identified and a unique scheme is suggested to improve water reclamation and reuse. Results show that on an average, more than 5% water used per day can be reclaimed. Simulation of the effluent treatment plant at Amul Diary is performed to provide suggestions to enhance water quality that could aid reclamation. Modifications based on these simulations could result in 10% increase of biogas production. Further, 85% of the energy consumed by aerobic bioreactors in the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) could be reduced resulting in energy savings. The proposed methodology can be extended to all cooperative dairy industries in India that are developed based on recommendation from Amul.