Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGBEcologically efficient water management in the manufacturing industry
The process and waste water of the metal and plastics processing industry, especially in the field of metal and plastics electroplating are rich in organic load, salts, heavy metals such as nickel, copper, zinc and precious metals as well as oils and fats. In the EU-funded project ECOWAMA "ECO-efficient management of water in the manufacturing industry", a project consortium with partners from research and industry led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart is developing an efficient and cost-effective method for the electrochemical treatment of this wastewater with the aim of recovering the valuable substances and reusing them in the production process. In times of increasing world market prices, metals in particular represent a not inconsiderable valuable material. At the same time, the hydrogen produced during the electrolysis of the water is also to be used to supply the plant with electrical energy.
