The Factors Contributing to the pH Quality of Wastewater: A Case Study of Beverage Manufacturer in Malaysia.

Abstract

The beverage manufacturer consumed a large amount of clean water in the production process. From the clean water usage in the production process, the manufacturer needs to monitor wastewater discharge from the beverage production. Each beverage company is obligated to monitor wastewater discharge compliance with the Department of Environment (DOE) 's regulations. The quality of wastewater discharge must meet the DOE's pH level requirements, ranging from pH5.5 to pH9.5. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factor contributing to the pH quality of wastewater and understand the effects of wastewater. As beverage manufacturers produce different types of products such as drinking juice, herbal energy drink, carbonated sports drink, tea, and coffee, the quality of wastewater discharge will differ. The study was conducted through an interview to explore in-depth understanding about beverage production and identify the factor related to wastewater quality. Five respondents were selected to participate in the study, and these respondents were of different departments and positions involved in both the production process and wastewater management department. The observation was also made to record and monitor the reading of pH level for few cycle. A few factors were identified in contributing to the pH quality of wastewater such as types of production and methods used to read the pH level.