Automotive Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technologies: A Review

Abstract

Global industrialization and urbanization have led to a surge in wastewater production, with the industrial sector accounting for 22% of global water consumption. Regrettably, up to 80% of treated industrial effluent is discharged directly into water bodies, posing severe environmental contamination risks. This underscores the critical necessity for sustainable wastewater management. Among the industries that consume large amounts of water is the automotive. Automotive wastewater, primarily from emulsion and paint processes, contains toxic substances such as paints, metals, and organic compounds. Additionally, dyestuffs and paints contribute to environmental challenges due to their toxicity and slow degradation. This review explores different wastewater treatment approaches, including physicochemical, biological, and membrane technologies, to tackle the complexity of automotive wastewater. Physico-chemical methods effectively remove pollutants but generate sludge. Biological treatments face challenges related to heavy metals and nonbiodegradable compounds. Membrane separation, particularly forward osmosis, shows potential as an energy-efficient solution. The review addresses challenges in automotive wastewater treatment, like sludge management and heavy metal inhibition. Advanced approaches, such as enzyme-based treatments and natural materials like banana peels, and zeolites natural and synthetic are discussed for their potential to enhance efficiency. This article offers insights into the current state of automotive wastewater treatment, emphasizing the need for green solutions to protect public health and the environment.