Industrial water and wastewater quality management is not only for regulatory compliance. It also functions as one of the key sustainability performance indicators (KPIs)s for industrial operators to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices from the environmental, economics and social aspects.
Measuring and monitoring critical parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N), etc. operators can improve process reliability, reduce environmental impact and optimize energy consumption.
pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH-scale is normally between 0 and 14.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) refers to the total amount of oxygen currently present in the water. DO originates from the atmosphere or as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
Electrical Conductivity is a vital parameter when determining water quality. As salinity and temperature increase, conductivity also increases. The higher the conductivity, the higher number of impurities (dissolved substances, chemicals, and minerals) are in the water.
Turbidity is the measure of relative clarity of the water. It is considered as the simplest and basic indicator of the amount of suspended sediment in the water. It is indicated by how much light is scattered by particles in water.
Ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH₃-N) is the combined amount of ammonia (NH₃) and ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) in water. It’s a key indicator of water quality, especially in wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring, and aquarium management.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) represents the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria and other microorganisms while they decompose organic matter under aerobic (oxygen is present) conditions at a specified temperature.
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) measures the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize the organic material and inorganic nutrients, such as Ammonia or Nitrate, present in water.
Total dissolved solids (TDS) is smaller than two microns. It comprises of inorganic salt and small amount of organic matters that dissolve in water, such as soluble hydrogen carbonate ions, chloride salts, sulphates, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, volatile solids and non-volatile solids.
Total suspended solids (TSS) is the concentration of particles suspended in the water column that are larger than two microns in size, such as sand, sediment, algae, bacteria, clay, and silt.
The National Water Quality Standards (NWQS) for Malaysia use a range of physical, chemical, and biological parameters to assess water quality. The water quality standards mainly set by the Department of Environment (DOE) are governed by a set of regulations designed to ensure the protection of public health, the environment, and the sustainable use of water resources. (Reference: https://www.doe.gov.my/en/national-river-water-quality-standards-and-river-water-quality-index/)
The DOE monitors the quality of natural water bodies using a network of monitoring stations across the country. Regulatory frameworks and these water quality data helps inform policy and management decisions related to conservation, pollution control, and ecosystem health, ensuring that the standards are met and enforced, contributing to the sustainable management of water resources.
