ZLD use-case providers showcasing delivered projects, concentration, crystallization, and salt recovery at scale.

    Find a Zero Liquid Discharge Use Case Provider

    Matched providers: 81

    Top countries: United Kingdom, United States

    Popular technologies: Cartridge Filters, Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters

    ZLD Use Cases: Power Plants, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, and Mining Applications

    Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) is applied across multiple industrial sectors where regulatory requirements, water scarcity, or hazardous effluent characteristics make complete liquid effluent elimination necessary or economically justified. Power plant ZLD: flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) wastewater from coal and gas power plants contains high concentrations of chlorides (10,000 to 80,000 mg/L Cl-), heavy metals (arsenic, selenium, mercury), sulphate, and suspended solids. US EPA Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) for Steam Electric Power Generating (40 CFR Part 423, 2015 rule, updated 2020): legacy wastewater streams including FGD must meet very low discharge limits (arsenic less than 8 ug/L, selenium less than 10 ug/L, mercury less than 788 ng/L as monthly average) making ZLD one of the preferred compliance strategies for high-chloride FGD effluent. ZLD power plant technology: brine concentrator (MVR or MEE) + crystalliser; or biological treatment (selenium reduction by sulphate-reducing bacteria) + brine concentrator for selenium-containing FGD. Major ZLD power plant projects: China (over 200 coal power plants mandated for FGD ZLD by 2020 MHFW/MEE regulations), US (several ZLD installations at coal plants including Bruce Mansfield, Ohio).

    Textile and dyestuff ZLD: India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Environmental Standards for Textile Industry (2016) mandate ZLD for dyeing and bleaching units; Gujarat and Rajasthan state PCBs enforce ZLD through environmental permits and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). Textile effluent characteristics: TDS 2,000 to 40,000 mg/L (salt-based reactive dye processes use NaCl or Na2SO4 at 40 to 80 g/L); colour (reactive dyes: 100 to 10,000 Pt-Co units); BOD 200 to 2,000 mg/L; pH 8 to 12. Textile ZLD train: primary treatment (screening, equalisation, pH neutralisation) + biological treatment (activated sludge or MBR for BOD/COD removal) + membrane treatment (MF/UF + RO) + evaporation (MEE) + crystallisation; NaCl/Na2SO4 recovery for reuse in dyeing process (closed loop). ZLD payback for textiles: recovered salt (NaCl/Na2SO4) at 10 to 40 g/L saves purchase cost; recovered water (water scarce Gujarat): USD 1 to 3 per m3 savings; ZLD system typically recycles 90 to 95 percent of water. Pharmaceutical ZLD: India, EU, and US pharmaceutical manufacturers face stringent effluent regulations for hazardous organic compounds; ZLD increasingly specified in environmental permits; organic-rich reject from pharmaceutical ZLD requires incineration (hazardous waste, RCRA).

    Mining and produced water ZLD: mining operations (copper, gold, coal, lithium) generate acid mine drainage (AMD, pH 2 to 6, high metals - Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Mn) and general process water requiring ZLD in water-scarce mining regions. AMD treatment for ZLD: neutralisation (lime to pH 8.5 to 10.5, precipitating metal hydroxides) + clarification + ion exchange (heavy metal polishing) + RO brine concentrator + evaporation; metal hydroxide sludge dewatered for landfill or metal recovery. Lithium brine (South American Atacama salars): evaporation ponds (solar evaporation, 18 to 24 months HRT) concentrate lithium from 0.15 to 0.5 percent Li to 5 to 6 percent Li before chemical processing to lithium carbonate or hydroxide; ZLD concept applied through complete brine concentration; water recovered from evaporation condensate for site use. Oil and gas produced water ZLD: conventional onshore oil fields produce 3 to 10 barrels of water per barrel of oil (BWPD); produced water TDS 5,000 to 350,000 mg/L; offshore: no discharge permits in some jurisdictions require ZLD; onshore: disposal wells (Class II UIC, US) or evaporation ponds are common alternatives to ZLD; high-cost ZLD (USD 15 to 30 per barrel) justified only where disposal well injection is unavailable or where water recovery for reuse is the primary goal.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which industries typically need ZLD systems?

    Industries where ZLD is commonly required or adopted: (1) Power generation (coal-fired): FGD wastewater with very low heavy metal discharge limits (US EPA ELG 2015/2020); India MOEF guidelines for thermal power plants; EU IED BAT conclusions for large combustion plants; (2) Textiles (dyeing and finishing): India CPCB ZLD mandate since 2016 for units with capacity greater than 5,000 tonnes/day production; Bangladesh implementing similar requirements; (3) Pharmaceutical manufacturing: stringent effluent standards for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and organic solvents; ZLD increasingly required in Indian CETP zones; EU IED BREF for pharmaceutical manufacture; (4) Semiconductor and electronics: ultra-pure water systems generate high-TDS reject; clean room and fab facility ZLD for water recovery in Taiwan, South Korea, US; (5) Fertiliser and chemical plants: high-TDS process water, ammonia, nitrate effluent; ZLD for nutrients control; (6) Mining (copper, gold, lithium): AMD treatment and water recovery in water-stressed regions (Chile, Peru, Australia, South Africa); (7) Food and beverage (dairy, brewing): where trade effluent consent is restricted; ZLD for land-locked sites without sewer access; (8) Oil and gas: produced water ZLD where injection is unavailable; offshore platforms; (9) Hospitals (in India): pharmaceutical-content effluent ZLD requirements in some states.

    What is FGD wastewater and why does it require ZLD?

    Flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) wastewater is generated in coal and heavy fuel oil power plants equipped with wet scrubber systems (limestone forced oxidation, LSFO) that remove SO2 from combustion gases to meet air emission standards. Wet FGD process: SO2-laden flue gas is scrubbed with limestone slurry (CaCO3 + SO2 + 1/2O2 yields CaSO4.2H2O, gypsum); gypsum is separated and sold or disposed; the remaining liquid waste (FGD wastewater) is a complex mixture with: TDS 20,000 to 80,000 mg/L; chloride 10,000 to 60,000 mg/L (concentrated from limestone and scrubber water makeup); sulphate 2,000 to 10,000 mg/L; heavy metals: arsenic (1 to 50 mg/L), selenium (0.1 to 10 mg/L), mercury (0.01 to 1 mg/L), boron, lead, cadmium. US EPA ELG (2015/2020 updated rule): FGD wastewater must meet: arsenic less than 8 ug/L, selenium less than 10 ug/L, mercury less than 788 ng/L, TSS less than 50 mg/L as quarterly average. For high-chloride FGD (greater than 40,000 mg/L Cl-): ZLD is technically preferred as selenium and arsenic biological treatment requires low-chloride conditions; high Cl- inhibits selenium-reducing bacteria; ZLD evaporates chloride-concentrated brine to dryness. China MHFW: all coal power plants required to achieve FGD ZLD as part of ultra-low emission standards from 2020.

    How is ZLD implemented in the textile industry?

    ZLD implementation for textile dyeing and finishing: (1) Effluent characterisation: daily composite sampling for TDS (2,000 to 40,000 mg/L), COD (500 to 5,000 mg/L), colour (reactive dyes 500 to 10,000 Pt-Co), pH (8 to 13); flow rate measurement and mass balance; (2) Primary treatment: screening (2 to 6 mm), equalisation tank (24 to 48 hour HRT), pH neutralisation (acid/alkali), and coagulation/DAF for suspended dye removal; (3) Biological treatment: activated sludge (MBR preferred for high TDS tolerance) or sequencing batch reactor (SBR); reduces BOD5 from 500 to less than 30 mg/L; COD from 2,000 to less than 250 mg/L; colour from reactive dyes partially removed (greater than 60 percent colour removal by biodegradation and adsorption); (4) Membrane treatment: MF/UF removes suspended solids and high MW colour compounds; RO concentrates TDS (salt recovery for reuse in dyeing); typical RO recovery 60 to 75 percent producing salt-rich concentrate at 80 to 120 g/L TDS; (5) Evaporation: MEE (multiple effect evaporation) or MVR concentrates RO reject to 25 to 30 percent TDS; energy input 15 to 30 kWh/m3 evaporated; (6) Crystallisation: produces NaCl/Na2SO4 salt cake; if greater than 95 percent NaCl purity, can be reused in dyeing process (reactive dyes use NaCl or Na2SO4 as dyeing auxiliary at 40 to 80 g/L); (7) Water recovery: greater than 90 percent of influent water recovered for reuse; reduces fresh water demand and trade effluent discharge to near-zero.

    Is ZLD cost-effective compared to conventional wastewater treatment?

    ZLD is significantly more expensive than conventional wastewater treatment: Conventional activated sludge treatment to trade effluent consent standards: CAPEX USD 500 to 2,000 per m3/day; OPEX USD 0.30 to 1.50 per m3 treated. ZLD (biological + RO + MVR + crystalliser): CAPEX USD 5,000 to 30,000 per m3/day (5 to 15 times conventional); OPEX USD 5 to 20 per m3 treated (5 to 15 times conventional). ZLD is justified when: (1) Water recovery value exceeds incremental treatment cost: in regions where water costs USD 2 to 5 per m3 or more, recovering 90 to 95 percent of wastewater as clean water offsets a significant fraction of ZLD OPEX; for 1,000 m3/day plant: recovering 900 m3/day at USD 3 per m3 = USD 2,700/day savings vs ZLD OPEX USD 10,000/day at USD 10 per m3 - a net cost USD 7,300/day vs conventional USD 1,000/day; (2) Regulatory penalty avoidance: non-compliance fines in India's textile sector can reach INR 1 to 10 lakh per day (USD 1,200 to 12,000/day); plant closure risk for non-ZLD units; (3) Salt recovery value: NaCl recovered from textile ZLD at 40 g/L, 1,000 m3/day treatment: 40 tonnes NaCl/day at USD 30 to 60/tonne = USD 1,200 to 2,400/day partial offset; (4) Corporate sustainability: zero-discharge is a verifiable ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) commitment; some export markets (EU buyers of Indian textiles) require environmental compliance documentation.

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    HomeDirectoryBy Challenge / ContaminantZero Liquid Discharge Use Case Companies

    By Challenge / Contaminant

    Zero Liquid Discharge Use Case Companies

    ZLD use-case providers showcasing delivered projects, concentration, crystallization, and salt recovery at scale.

    81 providers

    This page is a good fit if you need:

    • Cartridge Filters or Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters capabilities
    • Suppliers with manufacturing sector experience
    • Providers operating in United Kingdom or United States
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    How to choose a zero liquid discharge use case provider

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    14 claimed companies in this category

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    United Kingdom42
    United States9
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    Netherlands5
    India4

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    manufacturing14
    waste-management12
    food-beverage11
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation10
    Contractors10

    Technology

    Cartridge Filters5
    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters5
    Filtration4
    Fixed Bed Activated Carbon Adsorbers4
    Flat Sheet UF Membranes4

    Find a Zero Liquid Discharge Use Case Provider

    Showing 1-20 of 81

    81 results from 81 matched providers

    Ecosystems International logo

    Ecosystems International

    Verified
    Indonesia51-200 employees
    Flat Sheet Microfiltration Units · Hollow Fiber MF Systems · Ceramic Microfiltration Modules +80 more
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    PT Ecosystems International (PT ESI) was established at Jakarta on 21st November 2006. We are an industrial effluent treatment systems integrator specializing in electrocoagulation (EC), a unique waste water treatment profile. PT ESI has capabilities in designing complete waste water treatment solutions by combining various effluent treatment systems such as the electro-coagulation, biological, chemical processes and membrane filtration, offering its customers a wide and comprehensive range of solutions, tailored to suit their various needs – ranging from basic effluent treatment for discharge to effluent recycling for water reuse. The Company is experienced in handling the design, engineering, procurement, construction and operation of new Effluent Treatment Plants (“ETP”) and possesses expertise in retrofitting existing ETP to increase the flow rate and treatment capability without any major infrastructure increase PT ESI is also a premier waste water treatment service company specializing in handling waste water generated from Exploration (Drilling) and Produced Water. Customers in Indonesia include major Oil & Gas companies such as Pertamina, Exxon, Chevron, Petro-China and Medco. Operations in Indonesia are provided by both mobile and fixed units. At drill sites where waste-water recycling is required, PT ESI supplement these treatment units with skid mounted mobile Reverse Osmosis systems. The technologies and solutions employed by PT ESI are developed in-house and examples of these are its proprietary Trident™ Electro Contaminant Removal (“ECR”) system, the Stage Contaminant Removal (“SCR”) process and Mobile On-Site Waste-Water Treatment (“OWT”) units

    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
    Multi-media Filtration (MMF) Systems
    +63 more
    agriculture
    manufacturing
    Everlasting Wells logo

    Everlasting Wells

    Verified
    United States51-200 employees
    north-america

    Everlasting Wells is a professional water well service company dedicated to providing reliable and efficient water solutions for residential and commercial customers. As one of the trusted well companies near me, the company specializes in well inspections, water testing, well pump installation, repairs, maintenance, and water filtration services to help ensure safe and dependable water systems. With industry experience and a commitment to quality workmanship, Everlasting Wells focuses on identifying water system concerns and delivering effective solutions tailored to each customer’s needs. Their team provides expert guidance, honest recommendations, and dependable service to help maintain long-lasting water system performance. From routine maintenance to complete well and pump services, Everlasting Wells is committed to customer satisfaction, professional care, and delivering trusted water solutions that homeowners and businesses can rely on. For More Info:- maps.app.goo.gl/U385WBgACFQNfxn16

    Operation of Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants
    construction-real-estate
    Jiangsu Vifluter Resource Recycling Technology Co.,LTD. logo

    Jiangsu Vifluter Resource Recycling Technology Co.,LTD.

    Verified
    China200+ employees
    Low-Temperature Evaporation · Vacuum Evaporation · Heat Pump Evaporator +14 more
    china · north-america · latam +3 more

    Founded in 2009, Vifluter is a global provider of low-temperature evaporation (LTE) solutions, helping industries reduce wastewater volume. Guided by our vision to "Become a world leader in resource recycling solutions,". Headquartered in China, we have established regional operating platforms and localized offices across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, ensuring rapid responses to our global clientele. Powered by a collaborative workforce of over 300 employees, Vifluter has served over 2,000 corporate clients. Our project operational stability ranks among the highest in the industry, earning widespread trust from global partners through proven product reliability and exceptional service. The Vifluter Vacuum Heat Pump Evaporator & Crystallizer is an advanced, energy-efficient solution engineered for industrial wastewater volume reduction, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), and high-value resource recovery. Operating under deep vacuum conditions (-85 to -95 kPa), the system utilizes low-temperature heat pump technology (37–50°C) to process recalcitrant, high-salinity, and complex hazardous liquid streams (HazWaste) without requiring external steam. Equipped with continuous automated PLC controls, corrosion-resistant metallurgy, and specialized scraper/anti-scaling architectures, it transforms difficult industrial effluents into distilled clean water and reusable crystallized salts.

    Low-Temperature Evaporation
    Vacuum Evaporation
    Heat Pump Evaporator
    +14 more
    agriculture
    manufacturing
    PNR ITALIA Srl logo

    PNR ITALIA Srl

    Verified
    Italy51-200 employees
    Spray Evaporator · Self-cleaning Screen Filters
    apac · europe · latam +2 more
    19 case studies

    We produce a comprehensive range of spraying solutions, encompassing everything from small-scale nozzles to large industrial spraying systems. Our diverse product line includes various types of nozzles tailored to meet the specific requirements of every application and customer need. The company was established in Milan in November 1968, focusing on distributing parts and components for fire protection systems. Over time, we expanded our offerings to include a diverse range of industrial sprayers tailored to various applications. In addition to our distribution and manufacturing of fire protection system components and industrial sprayers, we specialize in designing and producing pneumatic spray nozzles for industrial use and tank washing nozzles. Our product line also encompasses a variety of complementary accessories essential for industrial washing, including filters, spray guns, and hoses. Furthermore, we offer ejectors, blower nozzles, swivel joints, and hose clamps to provide comprehensive solutions for our customers' needs. PNR Italia is part of the Tecomec Group and oversees four other affiliated companies to form PNR Company, a consolidated reality with a significant presence on the market.

    Microfiltration (MF) Systems
    Disinfection Technologies
    Disinfection Chemicals
    +7 more
    agriculture
    manufacturing
    Changzhou Senjie Environmental Equipment Co., Ltd. logo

    Changzhou Senjie Environmental Equipment Co., Ltd.

    Verified
    China200+ employees
    Filter Press · Membrane Filter Press · Diaphragm Filter Press +27 more
    north-america · latam · europe +3 more

    Changzhou Senjie Environmental Equipment Co., Ltd. is a Chinese manufacturer of solid-liquid separation, sludge dewatering and water treatment equipment, based in the Changzhou National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Jiangsu Province. Founded in 2014, we employ 1,280 people across two plants totalling more than 50,000 m2 and build over 1,000 machines a year. 1. FILTER PRESSES - Membrane (diaphragm) filter press, squeezing pressure up to 2.0 MPa, for the lowest achievable cake moisture - Chamber filter press (recessed plate) for industrial wastewater and mineral slurry - Plate and frame filter press for chemical, pharmaceutical, food, brewery and edible oil filtration - Fully automatic filter press with PLC control, automatic plate shifting, cake discharge and cloth washing - Mining and tailings dewatering presses for dry stacking; laboratory and pilot presses from 1 m2 Filter areas 1-1,500 m2, plate sizes 320x320 mm to 2,000x2,000 mm, filtration pressure 0.6-1.6 MPa, cake thickness 25-40 mm. Frames in carbon steel, SS304 or SS316. 2. MULTI-DISC SCREW PRESS (spiral sludge dewatering machine) Continuous, fully automatic dewatering for municipal and industrial sludge, as an alternative or complement to a filter press. All stainless steel, 17 models from KYDL-131 to KYDL-404, power 0.38-6.8 kW, capacity 5-640 kg DS/h. Low energy and wash-water consumption, low noise, compact footprint, PLC control compatible with dosing and feed systems. 3. SLURRY AND SLUDGE PUMPS - Slurry pumps (AH series) for filter press feeding and abrasive mineral slurry: flow 12.6-1,368 m3/h, head 6-64 m, power 1.5-90 kW, wear-resistant wet end - Progressing cavity (screw) pumps for high-viscosity, high-solids sludge, pulsation-free delivery - Air-operated diaphragm pumps, self-priming and chemically resistant, for slurries and corrosive liquids - Ceramic piston pumps in high-purity ceramic for the most abrasive and chemically aggressive duties 4. INDUSTRIAL WATER PURIFICATION (REVERSE OSMOSIS) SJ-RO025 / SJ-RO05 / SJ-RO1 series RO ultrapure water systems, 0.25-1.0 t/h, pump power 1.1-1.8 kW. Multi-stage pre-filtration plus RO membranes, SUS304/SUS316 wetted parts, PLC monitoring of conductivity, pressure and flow with automatic alarms. Used for laboratory, electronics, pharmaceutical and food process water, and as supporting water for filter press and dewatering lines. 5. CONSUMABLES AND SPARE PARTS Reinforced polypropylene chamber plates and membrane plates, 320x320 mm to 2,000x2,000 mm. Filter cloth in polypropylene, polyester and nylon - monofilament, multifilament, staple and needle felt - cut and finished to fit any brand of press, including food-grade cloth for juice, edible oil and syrup, and heavy-duty cloth for mining concentrate and tailings. 6. COMPLETE SYSTEMS Municipal sludge dewatering lines and turnkey industrial wastewater treatment plants: conditioning and chemical dosing, pH adjustment, coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation or DAF, biological treatment where required, sludge thickening, dewatering by filter press or screw press, cake handling and filtrate return. WHY A MANUFACTURER MATTERS Plates, cloth, presses and screw presses are produced in our own workshops rather than bought in. We quote non-standard plate sizes, supply replacement plates and cloth for other manufacturers' presses, and support a machine for its whole working life. In-house quality inspection centre and more than 30 R&D engineers. HOW WE SIZE A JOB Send us the slurry data - daily volume, dry solids content, particle size, operating temperature and pH, and your target cake moisture - and we return a sized proposal covering machine selection (filter press or screw press), filter area, plate type, cloth selection, feed pump and cycle time. WHERE OUR EQUIPMENT RUNS Municipal sewage sludge dewatering; mining, mineral concentrate and tailings dry stacking; coal slurry; stone, granite and marble cutting slurry; electroplating and surface finishing effluent; chemical and petrochemical; oil and gas; pharmaceutical; food, beverage and brewery; ceramics and kaolin; textile dyeing; pulp and paper; metallurgy and steel; power and new energy; sand and aggregate washing. We export to more than 40 countries. Contact: Lin Cong, Deputy General Manager - lincong@czsenjie.com - +86 181 5173 1332 (WhatsApp same number) - https://czsenjehb.com

    Sludge Dewatering
    Sludge Thickening
    Sludge Conditioning
    +6 more
    manufacturing
    mining-quarrying
    RCI Aquatech logo

    RCI Aquatech

    Verified
    India1-50 employees
    Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) · Multiple Effect Evaporator (MEE) · Atmospheric Evaporator +76 more
    apac · europe · latam +1 more
    1 case studies

    Founded in 2009, formerly known as Red Circle Industries (RCI), RCI Aquatech creates custom wastewater solutions based on end users’ requirements, which allow for optimally chosen components resulting in a solution that meets or exceeds customer needs. RCI Aquatech’s wastewater treatment systems combine necessary process technologies to reach required state and federal discharge limits and comply with local regulations. Our systems focus on removal of pollutants such as heavy metals, greases, suspended solids, oils, high salt content, toxic compounds, phosphates and more. Using chemical-physical treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation), biological treatment (aerobic and anaerobic) and wet chemical oxidation (persistent or toxic organics). Our expertise comprises the following technologies:  Filtration & softening systems  Physicochemical treatment (coagulation-flocculation)  Membrane filtration (UF & RO)  Ion exchange  Chemical oxidation  Biological treatment  Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system

    Activated Carbon Filtration
    Microfiltration (MF) Systems
    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    +52 more
    manufacturing
    chemicals-pharmaceuticals
    Devram International logo

    Devram International

    Verified
    India1-50 employees
    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters · Fixed Bed Activated Carbon Adsorbers · Powdered MOF Adsorbent Systems +19 more
    apac · mea

    DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL, headquartered in Surat, India, is a pioneering enterprise specializing in Snow and Rainwater Management with advanced contamination reduction abilities for storage and artificial groundwater recharge. Established as the commercial wing of Shree Someshwar Education Trust (SSET), DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL is driven by a mission to provide tech-enabled, nature-based solutions that address the world’s most pressing water and climate challenges. The company’s work integrates Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles and contributes across the source-to-sea water management cycle, ensuring holistic restoration of the global water cycle. Its innovative portfolio includes rainwater harvesting systems, stormwater management, aquifer recharge, artificial glaciers, desert trenches, rooftop water filtration, and green infrastructure models. These interventions directly reduce salinity in soils and aquifers, restore ecological balance, and enhance resilience to droughts, floods, and climate change. As the commercial promoter of the Global Rainwater Management Program (GRMP), DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL advances the vision of GRMP as a Global Common Minimum Program (GCMP) for nations and international bodies. GRMP demonstrates how rainwater and snowwater retention can restore entire natural cycles, while delivering unmatched benefits across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Alignment with the SDGs • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By reducing soil salinity, supporting organic farming, and ensuring water availability for agriculture, GRMP safeguards food security. • SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): DEVRAM’s recharge structures and contamination reduction technologies guarantee safe, sustainable drinking water for communities. • SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy): By reducing dependency on energy-intensive desalination, GRMP lowers national energy bills and improves hydropower capacity. • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): DEVRAM integrates nature-based water infrastructure with industrial operations, reducing OPEX and water footprints. • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): Through stormwater management and aquifer recharge, GRMP mitigates urban flooding and secures municipal supplies. • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production): Promotes a circular water economy, reusing wastewater, biogas from organic waste, and aligning with industrial CSR. • SDG 13 (Climate Action): By lowering GHG emissions and cooling local climates through water cycle restoration, GRMP strengthens resilience to global warming. • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Free-flowing rivers, improved aquaculture, and reduced dam-related aquatic pollution support marine and freshwater ecosystems. • SDG 15 (Life on Land): DEVRAM’s interventions restore wetlands, mangroves, peatlands, and biodiversity-rich ecosystems, addressing land degradation. • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The company actively collaborates with UN agencies, governments, World Bank programs, and private investors to scale GRMP globally. Founders and Leadership Dhaval Pandya, Co-Founder of DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL and CEO of SSET, is a globally recognized sustainability leader. He co-developed the Global Rainwater Management Program (GRMP), recognized by the United Nations Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the Government of India. As a Technical Committee Member (WRD03) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), he contributes to national water policy frameworks. His work is featured in UNCCD IWRM Action Hub and global forums like COP, Stockholm World Water Week, and World Bank SDG reviews. Manalika Pandya, Co-Founder, plays a critical role in embedding social, gender, and educational dimensions into GRMP. Her focus on women empowerment, local capacity building, and community-driven adoption ensures the program’s sustainability at the grassroots. Impact and Recognition DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL has piloted groundbreaking projects such as: Kawas Village (Gujarat, India): A GRMP model village achieving self-reliance in water, organic farming, and biogas, while resolving conflicts with industries. Delhi’s Water Paradox (Figshare Study): Shows how GRMP can solve megacity water crises without costly desalination or dams. GSECL Surat Project: Demonstrates reduced industrial water costs through GRMP recharge planning, aligning profitability with SDG and ESG goals. These projects show GRMP’s potential to reduce industrial and municipal water supply costs by up 60%, avoid massive investments in desalination and dams, and enable nations to achieve water sovereignty. Core Competencies • Rainwater & Snowwater Harvesting • Artificial Groundwater Recharge & Salinity Reduction • Stormwater Management & Urban Flood Control • Transboundary Water Cooperation • IWRM & Source-to-Sea Water Governance • AI-Enabled Hydrological Modelling & Policy Analytics • Environmental Services Restoration (Wetlands, Mangroves, Peatlands) • Circular Economy.

    Activated Carbon Filtration
    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters
    Multi-media Filtration (MMF) Systems
    +25 more
    manufacturing
    utilities
    Gi Aqua , Water as a Service logo

    Gi Aqua , Water as a Service

    Verified
    Saudi Arabia51-200 employees
    Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) · Chemical Precipitation · Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) +3 more
    apac · europe · mea

    GI WAAS delivers cutting-edge water and wastewater solutions using advanced nanotechnology and zero total discharge solution sets industry standards. Our mission is to provide smart, sustainable, and decentralized treatment systems. We are committed to circular economy principles and reducing environmental impact. Our holistic approach provides comprehensive, tailor-made solutions that are designed to meet the specific needs of each client

    Water-as-a-Service (WaaS) Contracts
    Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
    Technology Leasing and Rental Solutions
    +13 more
    agriculture
    manufacturing
    Brine Consulting logo

    Brine Consulting

    Verified
    Netherlands1-50 employees
    Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) · Atmospheric Evaporator · Spray Evaporator +130 more
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    BRINE CONSULTING delivers senior-level strategy, technical design, and actionable insight across the full lifecycle of water-related challenges. We support clients with advisory and due diligence, advanced brine management and resource recovery, industrial and municipal water reuse, and MLD/ZLD systems. Our team also leads ESG and climate-resilience strategy, innovation scouting, and international development and PPP advisory. With deep specialization in desalination, brine valorization, circular economy models, and high-impact infrastructure, we help organizations turn water and waste streams into opportunities, providing clear thinking, rapid delivery, and solutions built for real-world results.

    Activated Carbon Filtration
    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
    +85 more
    manufacturing
    energy-production
    Freytech Inc. logo

    Freytech Inc.

    Verified
    United States51-200 employees
    Environmental Balance Device technology · Methan removal · Offensive Odor Control +4 more
    north-america · latam · europe +2 more
    1 case studies

    Freytech Inc., headquartered in Miami, Florida (USA), is an environmental technology company specializing in innovative, science-based solutions for the remediation and optimization of air, water, soil, and industrial fluid systems. Since 1996, the company has developed sustainable technologies that improve operational efficiency while supporting decarbonization and environmental stewardship. Its flagship innovation, the Environmental Balance Device (EBD) Technology, is a patented and scientifically validated platform designed to enhance natural bioremediation and biotransformation processes in real time, without the use of electricity, chemicals, filters, membranes, or other consumables. EBD systems operate continuously for more than 15 years with minimal maintenance requirements. Scientific validation includes certification by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain and confirmation as “Safe to Use” by Florida International University (USA). Freytech's technologies are deployed across municipal, industrial, agricultural, and energy sectors throughout Europe, North America, and the Middle East, supporting applications such as: Water and wastewater treatment optimization; Reduction of scaling, corrosion, biofouling, and sludge in pipelines and process equipment; Hard water conditioning and extension of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane life; Greenhouse gas, ammonia, and odor reduction; Soil, groundwater, river, and lake remediation; Agricultural irrigation improvement and soil restoration; Oil and gas infrastructure optimization, including paraffin, asphaltene, and fouling control. Freytech's solutions are designed to help organizations achieve operational excellence and sustainability goals simultaneously by reducing energy consumption, lowering maintenance costs, extending asset life, improving resource efficiency, and supporting ESG and net-zero strategies. EBD installations are highly scalable, can be completed in hours rather than months, and provide an affordable pathway for greenhouse gas mitigation at costs below USD 40 per tCO₂e. Mission: To deliver practical, sustainable, and economically viable technologies that restore environmental balance while enhancing industrial performance, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

    Environmental Balance Device technology
    Methan removal
    Offensive Odor Control
    +4 more
    agriculture
    energy-production
    EC Solutions logo

    EC Solutions

    Verified
    United Arab Emiratesfreelance
    Conventional EC
    apac · china · europe +3 more

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    Hainan Litree Water Purification Technology Industry Co., Ltd. logo

    Hainan Litree Water Purification Technology Industry Co., Ltd.

    Verified
    China200+ employees
    Tubular Ultrafiltration Units · Hollow Fiber UF Modules · Flat Sheet UF Membranes +17 more
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    Litree: Pioneering Ultrafiltration for a Water-Secure World Founded in 1992, Litree has dedicated 30+ years to redefining water purification through ultrafiltration (UF) membrane technology—our core expertise and passion立升(Litree). As a global high-tech enterprise rooted in independent innovation, we’ve evolved from a membrane R&D startup to one of the world’s leading water problem solvers, with over 146 core patents and state-of-the-art manufacturing hubs in Haikou and Suzhou, China立升(Litree). Our signature hollow fiber UF membranes are engineered to deliver unmatched performance: 0.01μm precision removes 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and contaminants while preserving essential minerals—striking the perfect balance between purity and health立升(Litree). This technology powers our diverse solutions, from residential whole-house systems to large-scale municipal projects and industrial wastewater treatment, all designed for sustainability and cost-efficiency. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to making safe water accessible. We’ve completed projects serving 50,000+ residents with centralized purification systems that cut construction costs and footprint by 50% compared to traditional setups—proof that advanced technology can also be affordable. Today, our solutions reach 60+ countries, supporting 3,000+ industrial clients and millions of households worldwide. At Litree, water isn’t just our business—it’s our mission. We believe every drop matters, and we’ll keep pushing boundaries to create a future where clean, safe water is a universal right, not a privilege

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    Liquid X logo

    Liquid X

    Verified
    United Arab Emirates1-50 employees
    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters · GO–Polymer Composites · Cartridge Filters
    mea

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    Eragon Enviro Tech. (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. logo

    Eragon Enviro Tech. (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.

    Verified
    China51-200 employees
    Reverse Osmosis (RO) · Inclined Plate Settlers (Lamella Clarifiers)
    china · apac · europe

    Eragon Enviro Tech (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. is a specialized provider of industrial water and wastewater treatment solutions, supporting engineering teams, EPC contractors, and industrial clients in solving complex water challenges. We focus on process design, system integration, equipment manufacturing, and modular system supply for industrial wastewater treatment, water reuse, ultrapure water (UPW), and advanced ZLD/MLD applications. Our solutions are applied across semiconductor, electroplating, electronics, and new energy industries, as well as other industrial sectors dealing with complex wastewater streams. We help clients improve system reliability, optimize process stability, reduce operational risks, and meet stringent discharge and reuse standards in demanding industrial environments. With in-house engineering capability and manufacturing strength, we support global partners from design to execution for high-performance water treatment systems.

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    Bioclear earth logo

    Bioclear earth

    Netherlands1-50 employees
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    europe

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    Biocompact logo

    Biocompact

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    ByoSis logo

    ByoSis

    Netherlands51-200 employees
    Filtration · Screening · Ion Exchange
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    Arvia Technology logo

    Arvia Technology

    United Kingdom
    Nyex Rosalox · Nyex Ellenox · Nyex Florenox +2 more
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    Guangzhou Haike Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. logo

    Guangzhou Haike Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.

    China200+ employees
    Filtration · Activated Carbon · Fixed Bed Activated Carbon Adsorbers +3 more
    apac · china

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    Point-of-Use (POU) Filters
    UV Disinfection
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    CE

    Condorchem Enviro Solutions

    Spain
    ENVIDEST vacuum evaporators · DESALT crystallizers · Reverse osmosis +5 more
    Europe

    Condorchem Enviro Solutions is a Catalan environmental engineering firm in Spain providing turnkey industrial wastewater and air emission treatment. Its portfolio spans ENVIDEST vacuum evaporators, DESALT crystallizers, reverse osmosis, ion exchange and activated carbon for zero liquid discharge, oily water treatment, textile and dye color removal, brine management and water reuse. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and EcoVadis Gold, covering pollutant analysis, plant design, installation, start-up and after-sales maintenance.

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    Pollutant analysis
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    Buyer's Guide

    The buyer's guide to zero liquid discharge use case

    OverviewFAQCase studyQuestions to askCost driversRegulations

    ZLD Use Cases: Power Plants, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, and Mining Applications

    Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) is applied across multiple industrial sectors where regulatory requirements, water scarcity, or hazardous effluent characteristics make complete liquid effluent elimination necessary or economically justified. Power plant ZLD: flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) wastewater from coal and gas power plants contains high concentrations of chlorides (10,000 to 80,000 mg/L Cl-), heavy metals (arsenic, selenium, mercury), sulphate, and suspended solids. US EPA Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) for Steam Electric Power Generating (40 CFR Part 423, 2015 rule, updated 2020): legacy wastewater streams including FGD must meet very low discharge limits (arsenic less than 8 ug/L, selenium less than 10 ug/L, mercury less than 788 ng/L as monthly average) making ZLD one of the preferred compliance strategies for high-chloride FGD effluent. ZLD power plant technology: brine concentrator (MVR or MEE) + crystalliser; or biological treatment (selenium reduction by sulphate-reducing bacteria) + brine concentrator for selenium-containing FGD. Major ZLD power plant projects: China (over 200 coal power plants mandated for FGD ZLD by 2020 MHFW/MEE regulations), US (several ZLD installations at coal plants including Bruce Mansfield, Ohio).

    Textile and dyestuff ZLD: India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Environmental Standards for Textile Industry (2016) mandate ZLD for dyeing and bleaching units; Gujarat and Rajasthan state PCBs enforce ZLD through environmental permits and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). Textile effluent characteristics: TDS 2,000 to 40,000 mg/L (salt-based reactive dye processes use NaCl or Na2SO4 at 40 to 80 g/L); colour (reactive dyes: 100 to 10,000 Pt-Co units); BOD 200 to 2,000 mg/L; pH 8 to 12. Textile ZLD train: primary treatment (screening, equalisation, pH neutralisation) + biological treatment (activated sludge or MBR for BOD/COD removal) + membrane treatment (MF/UF + RO) + evaporation (MEE) + crystallisation; NaCl/Na2SO4 recovery for reuse in dyeing process (closed loop). ZLD payback for textiles: recovered salt (NaCl/Na2SO4) at 10 to 40 g/L saves purchase cost; recovered water (water scarce Gujarat): USD 1 to 3 per m3 savings; ZLD system typically recycles 90 to 95 percent of water. Pharmaceutical ZLD: India, EU, and US pharmaceutical manufacturers face stringent effluent regulations for hazardous organic compounds; ZLD increasingly specified in environmental permits; organic-rich reject from pharmaceutical ZLD requires incineration (hazardous waste, RCRA).

    Mining and produced water ZLD: mining operations (copper, gold, coal, lithium) generate acid mine drainage (AMD, pH 2 to 6, high metals - Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Mn) and general process water requiring ZLD in water-scarce mining regions. AMD treatment for ZLD: neutralisation (lime to pH 8.5 to 10.5, precipitating metal hydroxides) + clarification + ion exchange (heavy metal polishing) + RO brine concentrator + evaporation; metal hydroxide sludge dewatered for landfill or metal recovery. Lithium brine (South American Atacama salars): evaporation ponds (solar evaporation, 18 to 24 months HRT) concentrate lithium from 0.15 to 0.5 percent Li to 5 to 6 percent Li before chemical processing to lithium carbonate or hydroxide; ZLD concept applied through complete brine concentration; water recovered from evaporation condensate for site use. Oil and gas produced water ZLD: conventional onshore oil fields produce 3 to 10 barrels of water per barrel of oil (BWPD); produced water TDS 5,000 to 350,000 mg/L; offshore: no discharge permits in some jurisdictions require ZLD; onshore: disposal wells (Class II UIC, US) or evaporation ponds are common alternatives to ZLD; high-cost ZLD (USD 15 to 30 per barrel) justified only where disposal well injection is unavailable or where water recovery for reuse is the primary goal.

    Post your zero liquid discharge use case project — get matched proposals

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which industries typically need ZLD systems?

    Industries where ZLD is commonly required or adopted: (1) Power generation (coal-fired): FGD wastewater with very low heavy metal discharge limits (US EPA ELG 2015/2020); India MOEF guidelines for thermal power plants; EU IED BAT conclusions for large combustion plants; (2) Textiles (dyeing and finishing): India CPCB ZLD mandate since 2016 for units with capacity greater than 5,000 tonnes/day production; Bangladesh implementing similar requirements; (3) Pharmaceutical manufacturing: stringent effluent standards for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and organic solvents; ZLD increasingly required in Indian CETP zones; EU IED BREF for pharmaceutical manufacture; (4) Semiconductor and electronics: ultra-pure water systems generate high-TDS reject; clean room and fab facility ZLD for water recovery in Taiwan, South Korea, US; (5) Fertiliser and chemical plants: high-TDS process water, ammonia, nitrate effluent; ZLD for nutrients control; (6) Mining (copper, gold, lithium): AMD treatment and water recovery in water-stressed regions (Chile, Peru, Australia, South Africa); (7) Food and beverage (dairy, brewing): where trade effluent consent is restricted; ZLD for land-locked sites without sewer access; (8) Oil and gas: produced water ZLD where injection is unavailable; offshore platforms; (9) Hospitals (in India): pharmaceutical-content effluent ZLD requirements in some states.

    What is FGD wastewater and why does it require ZLD?

    Flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) wastewater is generated in coal and heavy fuel oil power plants equipped with wet scrubber systems (limestone forced oxidation, LSFO) that remove SO2 from combustion gases to meet air emission standards. Wet FGD process: SO2-laden flue gas is scrubbed with limestone slurry (CaCO3 + SO2 + 1/2O2 yields CaSO4.2H2O, gypsum); gypsum is separated and sold or disposed; the remaining liquid waste (FGD wastewater) is a complex mixture with: TDS 20,000 to 80,000 mg/L; chloride 10,000 to 60,000 mg/L (concentrated from limestone and scrubber water makeup); sulphate 2,000 to 10,000 mg/L; heavy metals: arsenic (1 to 50 mg/L), selenium (0.1 to 10 mg/L), mercury (0.01 to 1 mg/L), boron, lead, cadmium. US EPA ELG (2015/2020 updated rule): FGD wastewater must meet: arsenic less than 8 ug/L, selenium less than 10 ug/L, mercury less than 788 ng/L, TSS less than 50 mg/L as quarterly average. For high-chloride FGD (greater than 40,000 mg/L Cl-): ZLD is technically preferred as selenium and arsenic biological treatment requires low-chloride conditions; high Cl- inhibits selenium-reducing bacteria; ZLD evaporates chloride-concentrated brine to dryness. China MHFW: all coal power plants required to achieve FGD ZLD as part of ultra-low emission standards from 2020.

    How is ZLD implemented in the textile industry?

    ZLD implementation for textile dyeing and finishing: (1) Effluent characterisation: daily composite sampling for TDS (2,000 to 40,000 mg/L), COD (500 to 5,000 mg/L), colour (reactive dyes 500 to 10,000 Pt-Co), pH (8 to 13); flow rate measurement and mass balance; (2) Primary treatment: screening (2 to 6 mm), equalisation tank (24 to 48 hour HRT), pH neutralisation (acid/alkali), and coagulation/DAF for suspended dye removal; (3) Biological treatment: activated sludge (MBR preferred for high TDS tolerance) or sequencing batch reactor (SBR); reduces BOD5 from 500 to less than 30 mg/L; COD from 2,000 to less than 250 mg/L; colour from reactive dyes partially removed (greater than 60 percent colour removal by biodegradation and adsorption); (4) Membrane treatment: MF/UF removes suspended solids and high MW colour compounds; RO concentrates TDS (salt recovery for reuse in dyeing); typical RO recovery 60 to 75 percent producing salt-rich concentrate at 80 to 120 g/L TDS; (5) Evaporation: MEE (multiple effect evaporation) or MVR concentrates RO reject to 25 to 30 percent TDS; energy input 15 to 30 kWh/m3 evaporated; (6) Crystallisation: produces NaCl/Na2SO4 salt cake; if greater than 95 percent NaCl purity, can be reused in dyeing process (reactive dyes use NaCl or Na2SO4 as dyeing auxiliary at 40 to 80 g/L); (7) Water recovery: greater than 90 percent of influent water recovered for reuse; reduces fresh water demand and trade effluent discharge to near-zero.

    Is ZLD cost-effective compared to conventional wastewater treatment?

    ZLD is significantly more expensive than conventional wastewater treatment: Conventional activated sludge treatment to trade effluent consent standards: CAPEX USD 500 to 2,000 per m3/day; OPEX USD 0.30 to 1.50 per m3 treated. ZLD (biological + RO + MVR + crystalliser): CAPEX USD 5,000 to 30,000 per m3/day (5 to 15 times conventional); OPEX USD 5 to 20 per m3 treated (5 to 15 times conventional). ZLD is justified when: (1) Water recovery value exceeds incremental treatment cost: in regions where water costs USD 2 to 5 per m3 or more, recovering 90 to 95 percent of wastewater as clean water offsets a significant fraction of ZLD OPEX; for 1,000 m3/day plant: recovering 900 m3/day at USD 3 per m3 = USD 2,700/day savings vs ZLD OPEX USD 10,000/day at USD 10 per m3 - a net cost USD 7,300/day vs conventional USD 1,000/day; (2) Regulatory penalty avoidance: non-compliance fines in India's textile sector can reach INR 1 to 10 lakh per day (USD 1,200 to 12,000/day); plant closure risk for non-ZLD units; (3) Salt recovery value: NaCl recovered from textile ZLD at 40 g/L, 1,000 m3/day treatment: 40 tonnes NaCl/day at USD 30 to 60/tonne = USD 1,200 to 2,400/day partial offset; (4) Corporate sustainability: zero-discharge is a verifiable ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) commitment; some export markets (EU buyers of Indian textiles) require environmental compliance documentation.

    Case Study·Pharmaceutical active ingredient manufacturing, South East England
    Challenge

    A pharmaceutical API manufacturer in Surrey generated 85 m3/day of mixed organic and inorganic effluent (TDS 28,000 mg/L, COD 3,400 mg/L from solvent contamination, high chloride). The EA Environmental Permit was varied to prohibit any liquid discharge to the receiving watercourse following a WFD water body status assessment. The company's trade effluent consent with the sewerage undertaker was also restricted due to elevated chloride (1,800 mg/L against a consent limit of 800 mg/L).

    Approach

    The client conducted a detailed ZLD versus near-ZLD (95 percent recovery with managed brine disposal) cost comparison. At GBP 0.22 per kWh electricity and a brine disposal cost of GBP 95 per tonne, the analysis showed that full ZLD (CAPEX GBP 3.4 million, OPEX GBP 38 per m3) had a net present cost over 15 years of GBP 8.8 million, while near-ZLD with managed brine tanker disposal (CAPEX GBP 1.6 million, OPEX GBP 22 per m3 plus brine disposal GBP 12 per m3) had NPC of GBP 6.4 million. Near-ZLD was selected. Water recovery 94 percent; 5 m3/day concentrate tanker-removed to licensed hazardous waste disposal site.

    Outcome

    EA enforcement notice resolved. Trade effluent chloride compliance restored. Total project delivered in 22 weeks. Operating cost GBP 34 per m3 (below the GBP 42 per m3 ZLD alternative). The NPC saving of GBP 2.4 million over 15 years justified the near-ZLD approach, with a contractual option to add a crystallisation stage in year 5 if electricity prices fell or brine disposal costs rose.

    Questions to Ask Shortlisted Providers

    5 questions
    1. 1

      What is the total cost per m3 treated over the full project life, including CAPEX amortisation, energy, chemicals, maintenance, and solid waste disposal?

      ZLD economics are almost always unfavourable on OPEX alone; whole-life cost analysis is the only valid basis for comparing ZLD against near-ZLD or alternative disposal; unsupported headline CAPEX figures are not sufficient for investment approval.

    2. 2

      What regulatory compliance risk does our current discharge represent, and what is the probability and cost of a permit revocation or criminal prosecution scenario?

      ZLD justification often rests on regulatory risk avoidance; quantifying the EA civil sanction range (up to GBP 250,000 per incident), criminal prosecution risk, and production shutdown cost creates the business case context.

    3. 3

      Does near-ZLD (95 to 98 percent recovery with managed brine disposal) offer a more cost-effective pathway than full ZLD for our specific waste stream?

      Many sites can achieve regulatory compliance with near-ZLD at 30 to 50 percent lower CAPEX and OPEX; full ZLD is only required where the permit prohibits all liquid discharge or where brine disposal is impossible.

    4. 4

      What is your performance guarantee for water recovery and product water quality, and what financial remedy applies if targets are not met?

      ZLD performance guarantees must be specific (minimum water recovery percentage, maximum TDS in condensate); vague 'best efforts' clauses expose clients to underperforming systems with no contractual remedy.

    5. 5

      How does the system perform under seasonal feed quality variation, and what operating flexibility is built in for plant turndowns?

      Many industrial processes have seasonal production and effluent variation; ZLD systems with minimum throughput requirements above 50 percent of design flow face operational problems during low-production periods.

    What Drives Cost in This Category

    4 factors
    Full ZLD versus near-ZLD decision

    Near-ZLD at 95 percent recovery reduces CAPEX by 30 to 50 percent and OPEX by 25 to 40 percent versus full ZLD; if regulatory permit and brine disposal logistics permit near-ZLD, this represents the most cost-effective pathway to compliance.

    Electricity price and tariff structure

    MVR evaporation is the dominant energy consumer; at GBP 0.22 per kWh versus GBP 0.12 per kWh (on-site renewable), the electricity cost difference can be GBP 8 to 15 per m3 treated; time-of-use tariffs and demand-response incentives can reduce effective electricity cost by 15 to 25 percent.

    Solid waste classification and disposal route

    Non-hazardous salt cake disposal at GBP 40 to 80 per tonne versus hazardous waste incineration at GBP 300 to 600 per tonne is driven entirely by waste composition; feeds with heavy metals or listed substances increase solid waste cost by a factor of 4 to 8.

    Water value and internal reuse credit

    Sites in water-stressed areas paying GBP 2 to 4 per m3 for mains water can apply recovered condensate value against ZLD OPEX; at 90 percent recovery from 200 m3/day, recovered water value of GBP 3 per m3 represents GBP 197,000 per year partial OPEX offset.

    Key Regulations & Standards

    4 standards
    Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 and EA Civil Sanctions

    EPR 2016: EA can impose civil monetary penalties up to GBP 250,000 per prescribed offence; repeat breaches of Environmental Permit discharge conditions carry Crown Court prosecution with unlimited fines; ZLD provides the definitive compliance solution where permit conditions prohibit liquid discharge.

    WFD Environmental Quality Standards

    UK-retained WFD EQS for priority substances (EA Environmental Targets (Water) Regulations 2022): failure to achieve good chemical status in receiving water bodies triggers EA review of contributing permits; EQS-based permit limits for chloride, metals, and organics are tightening under AMP8 WINEP cycle.

    Trade Effluent Consent (Water Industry Act 1991)

    Sewerage undertakers can restrict, revoke, or renegotiate trade effluent consent conditions under WIA 1991, Section 127; high-TDS or high-chloride industrial effluents risk sewer corrosion and sewage treatment plant disruption, triggering consent tightening that may make ZLD the only viable compliance route.

    Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005

    Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/894): solid waste from ZLD crystallisers containing hazardous substances above threshold concentrations must be consigned on a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note; licensed carrier and disposal facility required; waste producer must register as a hazardous waste producer with the EA.

    Explore Related Categories

    ZLD & MLD Technologies

    Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) CompaniesMinimum Liquid Discharge (MLD) CompaniesBrine Treatment CompaniesBrine Valorization Companies

    Enabling Technologies

    Reverse Osmosis System CompaniesThermal Desalination CompaniesMembrane Filtration Companies

    Key Industries

    Mining Wastewater Treatment CompaniesChemical & Petrochemical Water Treatment CompaniesManufacturing Water Treatment Companies

    Browse the full provider directory

    Comparing zero liquid discharge use case companies is one slice of a larger shortlisting decision. Explore the complete directory of water treatment suppliers, then filter by region, sector, and technology before you request scoped proposals.

    Open the directory
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