In 2021, the global market for zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology was estimated at $1 billion (€0.93 billion) and is forecast to grow at almost 12% over the next 10 years1. The rise is being driven in particular by an increase in adoption of the technology by industries as a growing world population puts greater pressure on fresh water supplies.
What is ZLD?
Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) is a liquid waste stream treatment which involves transforming liquid waste streams into clean water (which can be reused) and a minimum volume of solid residues.
One of the advantages of ZLD over other treatment techniques is its theoretical ability to separate unwanted materials from water, whether they are benign, hazardous or toxic. The resulting solid residue is often more stable, making it suitable for recycling or landfill. However, poor management or handling of the remaining residue can result in unintended environmental consequences.
For example, storage ponds may leak or affect local wildlife while there is the potential for toxic chemicals to leach into groundwater from landfill. It is, therefore, important that when implementing a...
Beating zero liquid discharge
