WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCESS IN ELECTROPLATING INDUSTRIES

Electroplating is a versatile deposition method in which thin films of metals, metallic alloys are coated on a substrate for decorative purpose, rust prevention and wear resistance. A number of wastes that are hazardous to human health and the environment are commonly generated by the electroplating industry. Wastewater, spent solvent, spent process solutions, and sludge are the major waste forms generated in large volumes in electroplating industries. The waste containing heavy metallic ions such as nickel, chromium, zinc, lead, silver, cadmium, mercury, cyanides etc. are more hazardous. The hazardous waste generated in electroplating industry are major problem for environment. It is necessary to control the waste generated in electroplating industry to prevent environmental pollution. In this perspective various techniques have been developed for controlling the waste. The most important process material is water. Water to be used for bath and recovery rinse makeup may have to be treated to high quality. The two most common technologies used for water treatment are ion exchange and reverse osmosis, it may be economically advantageous to use reverse osmosis alone or as a roughing filter. Waste minimizing method is one of the most important technique in which generated waste reduces at source. This can be done through process modification and operational improvement.