The main hazards of wastewater from glass factories include:
1. Harm to water bodies and ecosystems
1.1 Water pollution: High concentrations of suspended solids (such as glass dust, SS can reach 1800 mg/L) can clog waterways, reduce water transparency, and affect the photosynthesis of aquatic plants.
1.2 Depletion of dissolved oxygen: High COD (up to 2500 mg/L) organic matter consumes a large amount of oxygen in the water during decomposition, leading to hypoxia and the death of aquatic organisms such as fish.
1.3 Eutrophication and toxicity accumulation: Pollutants such as fluorides and heavy metals (such as lead and arsenic) can accumulate through the food chain, posing a long-term threat to aquatic ecosystems and drinking water safety.
2. Hazards to human health
2.1 Acute health risks: Contact with or consumption of contaminated water may cause gastrointestinal diseases (diarrhea, vomiting), skin allergies (itching, redness and swelling), and respiratory irritation. 2.2 Chronic Toxicity: Long-term exposure to water containing heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium) or fluorides may lead to liver and kidney damage, bone diseases (such as fluorosis), nervous system damage, and even increase the risk of cancer.
2.3 Carcinogenic Risk: Some glass factory wastewater contains toxic substances such as silver nitrate, chromium, and mercury, which have been proven to be carcinogenic. There have been cases showing abnormally high cancer rates in surrounding areas.
3. Impact on Agriculture and Soil
3.1 Soil Pollution: Heavy metals and fluorides in wastewater, after settling, alter the chemical properties of the soil, inhibit microbial activity, and reduce fertility.
3.2 Crop Pollution: Pollutants are absorbed by crops, leading to excessive levels of pollutants in agricultural products, affecting food safety and farmers’ livelihoods.
