India has introduced a new rule mandating that caustic soda plants employing membrane cell technology must conduct fish survival tests on their treated wastewater. This regulation requires that at least 90% of fish survive a 96-hour exposure to 100% effluent.
The updated standards also impose stricter limits on several parameters including pH, salts, solids, and overall water usage. Furthermore, the rules address the discharge of wastewater, aiming to reduce its environmental impact.
While the new rules introduce significant improvements in environmental protection for the caustic soda industry, their ultimate effectiveness will depend on the rigor and consistency of their enforcement. The success of these measures in safeguarding aquatic ecosystems hinges on effective monitoring and compliance by the plants.
Source: Down To Earth