While grappling with this challenge, a silver lining has emerged: the semiconductor industry is pushing the boundaries in developing technology for water conservation, forging a path toward a more sustainable and water-conscious future.
How can the semiconductor industry change wastewater management?
The pursuit of sustainable water practices also means innovating wastewater management technologies.
Over the past decade, several key technological advancements have transformed water recycling. From advanced treatment technologies to decentralised sanitation solutions, the industry is seeing a remarkable shift towards more efficient, eco-friendly and resource-conscious methods.
The incorporation of sensor technologies in wastewater management provides real-time data on water quality parameters, enabling precise monitoring and control.
Leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence optimises treatment processes, predicts equipment failures and enhances overall operational efficiency.
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) techniques have also gained prominence. These seek to minimise or eliminate liquid waste discharge by recovering and reusing water from industrial processes.
These systems are designed to treat and recycle approximately 99% of the water used in semiconductor production.
They typically involve several stages, including chemical treatment, filtration and the application of methods like distillation and evaporation to remove impurities and recover water.