SILVER ALERT
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SILVER FOUND IN WASTEWATER! |
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SILVER ALERT!
Silver is a pollutant frequently found in residential and industrial wastewater
discharged to the sanitary sewerage system. This pollutant has the potential to be
detrimental to our environment. Through learning more about silver, you can help reduce
the amount of silver discharged to the wastewater treatment facility serving your community.
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SILVER SOURCES
A common source of silver is wastewater associated with photoprocessing activities.
These wastewaters often contain silver bearing photographic solutions and process rinse
wastes. This silver may be found in the following forms:
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- SILVER HALIDE
- ELEMENTAL SILVER
- SILVER THIOSULFATE COMPLEX
- SILVER IONS IN SOLUTION
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REMOVING SILVER FROM WASTEWATER
Selecting non-silver bearing materials, implementing silver conserving processes,
performing equipment preventative maintenance, improved quality control procedures,
chemical usage monitoring and management, establishing a spill control plan along
with employee training, and good housekeeping methods are effective ways to reduce
the amount of silver entering wastewaters.
Some silver will continue to enter process waste streams. Fortunately, the silver
can be effectively removed by a variety of recovery methods, including...
- METALLIC REPLACEMENT CARTRIDGES
- ELECTROLYTIC RECOVERY
- CHEMICAL PRECIPITATION
- EVAPORATION / DISTILLATION
- ION EXCHANGE
- REVERSE OSMOSIS
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WHY RECOVER SILVER?
To conserve natural resources and protect our environment;
it's economically beneficial;
and, it's the law!
The Johnson County Code of Regulations for Sanitary Sewer Use, 2003 edition
prohibits the discharge to the sanitary sewerage system of any silver bearing
wastewaters from photofinishing processes which have not been processed through
a silver recovery unit prior to discharge. Failure to comply with the requirement
is a violation of the law.
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RECYCLERS AND RECLAIMERS
Photo processing chemical and equipment suppliers may provide chemical recycling
and silver reclaiming services. If unavailable, contact the Johnson County
Environmental Department for assistance in locating a recycler or reclaimer.
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BEST MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AVAILABLE!
Guidelines for best management practices for silver dischargers (by The Silver
Council and National Association of Clean Water Agencies) are available from the
Johnson County Environmental Department. These guidelines provide silver generators
with valuable information on ways to reduce silver discharges to the sanitary sewerage
system. To request a copy of the guidelines, please contact the Environmental Department.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please call the Johnson County Environmental Department at (913)
715-6900 or
email the Industrial Pretreatment Program.
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