Efficient water use in industries: Cases from the Indian agro-based pulp and paper mills

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.09.001 Byline: P.K. Tewari, V.S. Batra, M. Balakrishnan Abstract: Agro-based pulp and paper mills in India are one of the most polluting industries; in addition, they are high consumers of raw water. Growing scarcity of high quality freshwater as well as stringent regulatory standards is compelling these units to explore appropriate water management options. Based on data obtained through a questionnaire survey and plant visits, this work provides an overview of the water use and effluent treatment status in Indian agro-residue and recycled pulp and paper mills. The challenges faced by this sector are reviewed and practices adopted by progressive units to minimize freshwater use are illustrated through case studies. Author Affiliation: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Center, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003, India Article History: Received 20 March 2007; Revised 18 August 2007; Accepted 15 September 2007