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| Sustainable development in Pakistan’s process industries |
| M. Suleman Tahir* |
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Emissions of hazardous pollutants from process industries are a serious threat for the environment causing adverse impacts on aquatic life and human health. Process industries (like paper manufacturing, textile units, power generation, juice and chloroalkali etc.) are operating in various regions of Pakistan. Sustainable technological processes for mitigation of hazardous pollutants, chemicals and effluents are necessary for the development of a ‘green economy’ in the country. This paper will look at various ‘pathways’ of waste utilisation from pulp and paper industry and citrus waste and propose workable solutions for possible consideration and implementation.
The pulp and paper industry produces millions of tonnes of black liquor [BL] (containing lignin, hemicellulose, aliphatic acids etc.) which when dumped is source of pollution and wastage of valuable organic resources. It is possible to gasify BL for renewable energy. Another sustainable pathway for BL utilisation is char or coal-liquor slurry which can be used as an alternative/diesel fuel. This can mitigate pollutants from waste streams from pulp & paper industry and waste from coal mines/low rank coal.
Development of new sustainable technologies by bridging the gap between private industry and universities/ research institutions may uplift green growth of the economy. Interdisciplinary research can also partially resolve the pollution problem, therefore, inter-disciplinary research groups should work together.
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Prof.
Dr. M. Suleman Tahir is a Chemical Engineer and works at the University of
Gujrat, Pakistan.
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