Laundry water treatment uses a combination of physical, chemical, and biological methods to purify wastewater for reuse or safe disposal, with common techniques including membrane filtration, coagulation, biological reactors, and disinfection. The specific treatment process often combines multiple steps to address contaminants like lint, soaps, detergents, and organic matter to meet discharge regulations, reduce water consumption, and achieve environmental goals.

Key treatment methods.

Physical treatment:

Filtration: Removes suspended solids like lint and fibers. Advanced methods like ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis can remove smaller particles and dissolve solids, respectively.

Dissolved air flotation: Used to remove oil, grease, and other suspended solids.

Chemical treatment:

Coagulation and flocculation: Uses chemicals to clump together small particles so they can be more easily removed.

Ozonation: Uses ozone to disinfect water, reduce odors, and break down organic compounds, which can also lower detergent use and the need for hot water.

Biological treatment:

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs): Combines biological treatment with membrane filtration for a high-quality effluent.

Disinfection:

UV light: Uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other pathogens.

Ozone: Can be used for disinfection, as noted above.