Evaluating the Environmental Cost and Benefits of Integrated Electrochemical Treatment Scenarios for Textile Industry Wastewater : An Eco-Efficiency Measure

This study examines how alternative wastewater treatment scenarios that employ electrochemical techniques perform in terms of water reuse and reducing pollution. Three integrated multi-stage scenarios using anodic oxidation have been designed and optimized to improve the treatment of textile industry residual effluent compared to in-situ practices based on flocculation-coagulation technology. An environmental costs and benefits analysis has been conducted using data-envelopment analysis to evaluate the trade-off between economic and environmental considerations in each scenario. The removal of DCO and the potential for reuse depict benefits to the environment, while the damaging risks are indicated by eutrophication and salinity. The sustainable and cost-effective options are determined by calculating the eco-efficiency scores of each scenario. The results show that the anodic oxidation post-treatment scenario is the most effective as it reveals an eco-efficiency score equal to 1 and can address multiple anthropogenic pressures (eco-inefficiency score = 0.171). This scenario is a potential best practice for textile wastewater treatment, as the absolute environmental advantages outweigh the additional economic costs. This work was undertaken in the stakeholder engagement process for the co-definition of a remediation strategy for harmed and overused water resources. The findings may provide the industry with recommendations for making appropriate technical shifts and adopting eco-friendly practices