Water reuse in the food industry

Abstract

Due to the significant growing demand for water, it is urgent to those in the food industry to consider a more rational and sustainable use of such a scarce natural resource. This chapter highlights alternative food processing methods that contemplate recycling and reusing water. Based on a systematic literature review, it highlights the adoption of cleaner production methods. The chapter focus on the meat and fresh produce sectors where evidence shows that water sustainability related methods is the most needed. Suggestions are proposed to minimize water waste through the treatment of effluents and decrease the impact of effluent pollution on the environment. In so doing, clear environmental and economic benefits could be achieved through the reduction of costs and value-adding to the final product. Yet, the implementation of Cleaner Production Methods would require support from the industry, policymakers, and consumers to encourage the recycling and reuse of water.

Time for decisive actions to protect freshwater ecosystems from global changes

“…(1) Improving wastewater treatment technologies and water reuse to reduce pollution from domestic and industrial point sources as well as maintaining sustainable water resources (e.g. Bailone et al, 2022). Regarding wastewater treatment plants, a special attention should be given to pharmaceutical and microplastic pollutions that pose a global threat to both biodiversity and human health (Eerkes-Medrano et al, 2015;Wilkinson et al, 2022).…”

Reclaimed Water in Taiwan: Current Status and Future Prospects

“…The selection of treatment processes usually depends on the potential users of the reclaimed water, or in other words, the targeted water quality. For example, indirect water reuse such as groundwater recharge might only require adequate pretreatment, while post-disinfection is essential for food industry or the drinking water [13]. On the other hand, ultrapure water for the high-tech industries like semiconductor, display, memory, etc.…”

Recycling of wet grinding industry effluent using effective Microorganisms™ (EM)

“…Properly established water quality standards [ 31 , 32 ], would be a pre-requisite for the reuse to crop irrigation [ 33 ]. Reusing of food industry effluent, following the proper treatment methods have been demonstrated as they possess advantages including protection of the natural environment from water contamination [ 34 ], Moreover, the benefits including the cost effectiveness [ 35 ]. Besides the treatment process significantly accomplish water purification, thereby possible promotion of circular economy and sustainable industrial development.…”