Comparative Study of Wastewater Generated from Mineral Water Factories, Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract: The increasing need for packaged drinking water has resulted in the growth of mineral water production units, particularly in developing areas such as Northeast India. But the environmental effects of wastewater released by such units are usually left behind. This study is a comparative analysis of wastewater produced by two well-known mineral water plants in the Nirjuli area of Papumpare District, Arunachal Pradesh, namely M/S Renu Beverage (the producer of Orchid Drop) and M/S Polo International (the manufacturer of Polo Mineral Water). The main aim was to analyse the physicochemical properties of the wastewater and check compliance with the allowable discharge standards set by the regulatory authorities. In order to obtain accurate and representative data, wastewater samples were taken at 10-minute intervals from the outlet of each factory. This process was done for five months, with a one-month gap between consecutive sampling runs to account for seasonal or operational changes. The parameters examined were major water quality parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, chloride, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and dissolved oxygen (DO). The parameters were analysed using standard APHA laboratory procedures. The findings reported that although majority of the physicochemical values stayed within proper limits of discharge, considerable discrepancies in BOD, TSS, and turbidity levels existed. Interestingly, wastewaters of the Polo unit showed high levels of BOD and turbidity as opposed to Orchid Drop, and that indicates variation in effluent treatment practices being applied. Differences depict the levels of operational proficiency as well as the wastewater handling protocols being implemented across different units. Aside from comparative evaluation, the research further investigated possibilities for reuse of treated wastewater for industrial and agricultural applications. From analysing monthly trends and scrutinizing changes in loads of pollutants, the research discerns opportunities to include treated wastewater within sustainable water management systems. This reuse may reduce freshwater usage to a very low level and assist in conserving water long-term in regions under water scarcity. This research offers vital information on a frequently neglected environmental concern in the bottled water sector. It stresses the significance of regulatory enforcement, regular monitoring, and enhanced treatment facilities in the provision of environmentally friendly operations. The research contributes to the larger discussion on wastewater management in industries and provides actionable directions towards pollution reduction and resource recovery through water reuse strategies.