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56 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2026 Case Study Following AOX treatment, water is purified using granular activated carbon (GAC) and/or ion ex- change (IX) media. The use of GAC is particularly noteworthy; the granules possess excellent adsorp- tion properties, which allow them to attract and hold onto a broad spectrum of impurities, including dissolved organic compounds and chlorine, making it more suitable for various applications. IX media, on the other hand, provide a different mechanism for water treatment. By exchanging undesirable ions in water with more benign ones, these systems can effectively reduce hardness and remove specific contaminants, such as heavy metals. The combination of GAC and IX media ensures a comprehensive treatment solution, capable of tackling a wide range of pollutants that may be present in the UPW. Once through these initial purification stages, the water is subjected to reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technology, and is, by necessity, com- plemented by electro-deionization (EDI). RO is a highly effective method of filtration that uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate contami- nants from water. It operates under pressure, allowing only water molecules to pass through while retaining larger molecules, ions, and impuri- ties. The integration of EDI technology further purifies the water by continuously removing ionised species, producing ultra-pure water that meets stringent quality standards. The step has generated DI water with TOC>1 ppm and conduc- tivity> 1 µS/cm at a flow rate of 18 m3/hour. These values meet even the most stringent PCB water quality requirements. An essential aspect of this treatment process is managing waste. The reject streams generated by the GAC, IX media, and RO processes are returned to the concentrate waste stream evaporators. This step is critical to completing the overall water bal- ance within the facility and ensures that the opera- tional workflow is both efficient and sustainable. By recycling and managing waste effectively, indus- tries can significantly reduce their environmental footprint, cutting down on the quantity of water extracted from natural sources and minimising the discharge of pollutants. The entire process not only enhances water quality but also underscores the importance of sustainable practices in industrial settings. With increased regulations surrounding water usage and waste management, industries must adapt to these challenges while still maintaining operational efficiency. Implementing advanced water treat- ment technologies is no longer just an option; it is a necessity for any operation that values sustain- ability and regulatory compliance. Figure 2: The planning of a 500m3/day ZLD system.