Comparative reliability analysis of effluent treatment plants in pulp and paper industrial sector: a case study of west bengal

Abstract

The pulp and paper industry is a significant contributor to industrial wastewater pollution, necessitating efficient and reliable effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to ensure environmental sustainability. This study conducts a comparative reliability analysis of ETPs in the pulp and paper sector in West Bengal, focusing on the water quality parameters such as TSS, TDS, BOD and COD. The research aims to enhance ETP efficiency and reliability through systematic reliability analysis, aiming for consistent compliance with environmental discharge standards. Data was collected from multiple ETPs across various pulp and paper mills in West Bengal. Laboratory analyses, conducted in the University lab, measured TSS, TDS, BOD, and COD to calculate the COR. The COR values provided insights into the stability and operational performance of these treatment plants. Statistical methods were employed to interpret these values and suggest design improvements for achieving the necessary discharge standards. The findings indicate significant variability in the reliability of different ETPs. For instance, Location 1 (L1) demonstrated high reliability with COR values of 0.771518 for TSS, 0.869748 for TDS, 0.782366 for BOD, and 0.912692 for COD, reflecting stable and effective operations. Conversely, Location 5 (L5) showed the lowest reliability, with COR values of 0.488927 for TSS, 0.749464 for TDS, 0.589809 for BOD, and 0.699398 for COD, indicating significant operational challenges. It suggests that while some ETPs consistently meet environmental discharge standards, others require targeted improvements in their operational controls to enhance performance. The findings indicate that reliability analysis is crucial for enhancing the operational stability of ETPs. By implementing design improvements based on COR values, ETPs can achieve significant reductions in pollutants and ensure better compliance with environmental regulations. The study establishes performance benchmarks and provides recommendations for future ETP design and operational practices, contributing to improved environmental management and sustainability in the pulp and paper industry.