Impacts of Heatwaves On The Functional Parameters of Effluent Tretment Plant: Case Study From A Textile Factory in Bangldesh

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International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science

( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal )
Volume:06/Issue:05/May-2024 Impact Factor- 7.868 www.irjmets.com
IMPACTS OF HEATWAVES ON THE FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF

EFFLUENT TRETMENT PLANT: CASE STUDY FROM A TEXTILE
FACTORY IN BANGLDESH
Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain*1, Rashedul Karim*2, Md. Nayeem Hossain*3
*1Head Of Water And Climate, Lindex HK Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh.
*2,3Sustainability Developer, Lindex HK Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh.
DOI : https://www.doi.org/10.56726/IRJMETS57824
ABSTRACT
Climate Change specifically heatwaves, as extreme weather events, exert profound impacts on the functional
parameters of textile effluent treatment plant (ETP) including pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS), Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS), and Sludge Volume Index (SVI), crucial indicators of
water quality of an effluent treatment plant. This study we investigated the effects of heatwaves on these
parameters and examines their interrelationships. Field data collected during heatwave events and compared
with normal winter temperature of Bangladesh reveal significant correlations between each parameter,
indicating complex interactions within the ETP under thermal stress. Moreover, a rigorous analysis employing
ANOVA tests demonstrates statistical significance both between and within the parameters, highlighting the
pronounced influence of heatwaves on water quality dynamics. Understanding the nuanced responses of pH,
DO, TDS, MLSS, and SVI to heatwave-induced thermal stress is essential for proactive management strategies to
mitigate adverse impacts textile wastewater on aquatic ecosystems and ensure the provision of clean and
sustainable water resources.
Keywords: Climate Change, Heatwaves, Effluent Treatment Plant, Textile Industry, Water Quality.
I. INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh has been grappling with increasing heatwaves during the summer months over the past few years.
In 2024, the country experienced its hottest year yet, with average temperatures soaring to 40 to 42 degrees
Celsius across all districts. This unprecedented catastrophe poses significant risks to both the population and
biodiversity. News reports indicated several deaths from heatstroke, and millions of people have suffered
health implications such as vomiting, diarrhea, heat exhaustion, headaches, pneumonia, shortness of breath,
and dehydration. Some educational institutions even had to temporarily close due to the extreme heat. These
heatwaves underscore Bangladesh’s environmental vulnerability and highlight weaknesses in its
environmental governance. The country already faces the impacts of global climate change, exacerbated by
indiscriminate human activities that harm the environment, including deforestation, industrial emissions, and
riverbank encroachment.
The textile industry is a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy, significantly contributing to its GDP and
employment. Accounting for over 80% of the country's export earnings, the sector employs millions of workers,
primarily women, thus playing a crucial role in socio-economic development [1]. However, the rapid expansion
of this industry has led to severe environmental repercussions, particularly in terms of surface water pollution.
Textile manufacturing processes involve extensive use of water and chemicals, leading to the discharge of
untreated or inadequately treated wastewater into rivers and streams. This effluent contains dyes, heavy
metals, and other toxic substances, severely degrading water quality and posing risks to aquatic life and human
health [2]. The Buriganga River, for example, has been heavily polluted due to effluents from textile factories in
Dhaka, rendering its water unusable for drinking and irrigation [3]. Addressing these environmental impacts
requires stringent enforcement of wastewater treatment regulations and the adoption of cleaner production
technologies to mitigate the adverse effects on Bangladesh's surface water resources.
The impacts of climate change, particularly extreme heatwaves during summer in Bangladesh, pose significant
challenges to the functionality of ETPs. Elevated temperatures can exacerbate the biological processes within
ETPs, affecting microbial activity essential for wastewater treatment. Higher temperatures may accelerate the
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metabolism of microorganisms, potentially leading to increased degradation rates of organic matter but also
causing instability in microbial communities and reduced treatment efficiency under extreme conditions [4].
Additionally, excessive heat can elevate the risk of harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion, further
complicating the treatment processes [5]. Changes in temperature also influence the solubility of gases, such as
oxygen, crucial for aerobic processes in ETPs. Consequently, maintaining optimal operating conditions becomes
more challenging, necessitating adjustments in process controls and infrastructure to cope with temperature
fluctuations [6]. Furthermore, the increased evaporation rates during extreme heat can concentrate pollutants,
demanding more robust treatment mechanisms to meet discharge standards [7]. These factors highlight the
necessity for adaptive strategies and resilient designs in effluent treatment plants to ensure their effective
operation under changing climatic conditions.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
ETPs play a critical role in mitigating the environmental impact of industrial wastewater by removing
contaminants before discharge into water bodies. The performance of these plants can be significantly
influenced by various environmental factors, including temperature. Prolonged heatwaves, characterized by
extended periods of excessively high temperatures, can pose significant challenges to the operational efficiency
of ETPs. This literature review focuses on the impacts of elevated temperatures on key parameters such as pH,
DO, MLSS, SVI and TDS in the context of textile effluent treatment.
Impacts of temperature on pH value
Temperature fluctuations, particularly increases, can alter the pH levels of wastewater. The pH of wastewater is
a crucial parameter that affects the solubility of various chemicals and the biological activity within the
treatment system. Studies have shown that higher temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions that either
increase or decrease pH levels depending on the specific constituents of the wastewater [8]. In textile effluent
treatment, where the wastewater is often highly alkaline due to the use of dyes and other chemicals, prolonged
heatwaves can exacerbate pH variations, potentially disrupting the microbial activity essential for
biodegradation processes.
Impacts of Temperature on DO
Dissolved oxygen is vital for the aerobic biological treatment processes in ETPs. High temperatures reduce the
solubility of oxygen in water, thus lowering the DO levels [9]. This reduction in DO can significantly impair the
efficiency of aerobic microorganisms that degrade organic pollutants. During heatwaves, the DO levels can drop
to critical levels, leading to decreased biological activity and potential system failures[10]. Strategies to
counteract low DO levels include mechanical aeration and the use of oxygen-enriched air, but these solutions
can be costly and energy-intensive.
Impacts of Temperature on TDS
The impact of temperature on TDS in an ETP is a topic of considerable interest due to its significant
implications for water treatment efficiency. Studies have shown that temperature plays a crucial role in
influencing the solubility and mobility of various chemical constituents in wastewater, thereby affecting TDS
concentrations [14]. Higher temperatures generally promote greater solubility of solids and organic
compounds, leading to elevated TDS levels in effluent streams [15]. Moreover, temperature variations can
impact microbial activity and biochemical reactions within treatment processes, potentially altering the
degradation and removal of organic matter, which contributes to TDS levels [16]. Additionally, temperature-
induced changes in chemical equilibria can influence the efficiency of precipitation and adsorption processes,
affecting the removal of specific ions and contaminants contributing to TDS [17]. Understanding these
temperature-TDS dynamics is critical for optimizing ETP performance and ensuring compliance with effluent
quality standards.
Impact of Temperature on MLSS and SVI
MLSS, representing the concentration of suspended solids in the mixed liquor of an aeration tank, is a key
parameter in assessing the biomass concentration and overall health of the biological treatment process.
Temperature increases can affect the growth rates and metabolic activity of the microbial community within
the ETP [11]. Prolonged heatwaves can lead to a shift in microbial populations, potentially favoring
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thermophilic organisms over mesophilic ones, which are typically more effective in degrading textile effluents.
This shift can result in reduced biodegradation efficiency and an increase in sludge production, complicating
the sludge management process[12].
The Sludge Volume Index (SVI) in Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) is significantly influenced by temperature,
as it affects microbial activity and the physical properties of the sludge. Higher temperatures typically enhance
microbial metabolism, leading to more efficient organic matter degradation and potentially lower SVI values
due to better sludge settling characteristics. Conversely, lower temperatures can slow microbial processes,
causing poorer sludge settling and higher SVI values. Additionally, temperature fluctuations can affect the
viscosity of the liquid phase and the solubility of gases, further impacting sludge settleability [9][13]. Thus,
maintaining an optimal temperature range is crucial for efficient ETP operation and sludge management.
III. METHODOLOGY
Study Area and Selection
For this study, the Biological Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) of a Knit Composite Textile Factory located in the
Gazipur District of Bangladesh was selected. This factory was chosen due to its functional ETP and well-
equipped laboratory facilities and having a well-trained ETP technician with an assistant to help.
Sampling and Testing Period
This study utilized secondary data sourced from the laboratory log book of a specific ETP plant. The daily
operational parameter testing, carried out by ETP lab technicians using standard laboratory apparatus,
provided the foundation for this research. Six temperature segments were deliberately selected from the log
book, with a focus on gathering testing data for pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), mixed
liquor suspended solids (MLSS), and sludge volume index (SVI). The researcher conducted multiple onsite visits
to gain insights into instrument calibration and data quality control procedures. The table below presents the
sampling dates corresponding to each temperature segment.
Table-1: Date of testing and sampling of water quality parameters.
Temperature(oC) Date of sampling and testing
15 17th January,2024
20 18th February, 2024
25 5th March, 2024
30 18th March, 2024
35 6th April, 2024
40 24th April, 2024
Parameters and Equipment
The onsite testing included measurements of temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Mixed Liquor
Suspended Solids (MLSS), Sludge Volume Index (SVI), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The following standard
testing apparatus were utilized:
 Temperature: Digital Thermometer (e.g., Hanna Instruments HI93510)
 pH: pH Meter (Model: Hach HQ40d Portable pH Meter)
 Dissolved Oxygen (DO): DO Meter (Model: YSI Pro20i Dissolved Oxygen Meter)
 MLSS: Gravimetric Method using Glass Fiber Filters (Whatman GF/C)
 Sludge Volume Index (SVI): Imhoff Cone for 30-minute settleability test [18]
 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): TDS Meter ( Model Hanna Instruments HI98301 DiST1)
Sample Collection and Testing Procedure
Objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of temperature on the functional parameters of effluent
treatment plant and the ETP of the selected factory is biological in nature. So, all sample for testing was
collected from Aeration Tank and ETP technician follow a standard sampling protocol ISO 5667-3 and ISO
5667-4. For each parameter:
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 Temperature: Measured onsite immediately upon sample collection using the digital thermometer.
 pH: Samples were tested using the pH meter after calibration with standard buffer solutions.
 DO: Measured using the DO meter following calibration.
 MLSS: Determined by filtering a known volume of mixed liquor through a pre-weighed glass fiber filter,
drying at 105°C, and reweighing to calculate the suspended solids concentration.
 SVI: Calculated by measuring the settled sludge volume in an Imhoff cone after 30 minutes and dividing by
the MLSS concentration.
 TDS: Measured directly using the TDS meter.
Data Analysis
Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between temperature and each of the tested
parameters. This included calculating correlation coefficients and conducting regression analysis to understand
the relationship between temperature fluctuations and water quality parameters in different temperature
segments. Besides single factory ANOVA test was conducted to understand statistical significance among the
parameters.
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Correlation between temperature and pH
The relationship between temperature and pH value in the aeration tank exhibits significant trends. At 15°C,
the pH value is 7.3, which is slightly alkaline, though the factory aims to maintain a neutral pH for optimal
microbial growth. At temperatures of 20°C and 25°C, the pH remains nearly neutral, at 7.0 and 7.1 respectively.
However, at 30°C and 35°C, the pH slightly decreases to 6.8. At 40°C, there is a notable drop in pH to 6.2,
rendering the wastewater weakly acidic.
7.6
7.4
7.2
7 R² = 0.8083
6.8
PH
6.6
6.4
6.2
6
5.8
5.6
15 20 25 30 35 40
Temperature (degree celsius)
Figure-1: correlation between temperature and pH

Correlation Between Temperature and DO
The temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the aeration tank of the ETP exhibit a notable correlation.
As the temperature increases from 15°C to 40°C, there is a discernible decrease in the DO concentration,
gradually declining from 5.7 mg/l to 2.2 mg/l. This inverse relationship underscores the critical influence of
temperature on the oxygen saturation capacity of the water. Higher temperatures typically result in reduced DO
solubility due to decreased gas solubility in warmer water.
Temperature and TDS
The correlation between temperature and TDS is not strongly evident from the test results, possibly due to the
use of different salts for various purposes. However, there is a slight increase in TDS levels at higher
temperatures. At 15°C, the TDS value was 940 mg/L, increasing to 970 mg/L at 20°C and 1030 mg/L at 25°C.
Conversely, the TDS values at 30°C, 35°C, and 40°C were 1000 mg/L, 980 mg/L, and 1010 mg/L, respectively.

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5 R² = 0.8673
DO (mg/l)
0
15 20 25 30 35 40
Figure-2: Correlation between temperature and DO

1060
1040
1020
1000
TDS (mg/l)
980
960 R² = 0.5209
940
920
900
880
15 20 25 30 35 40
Figure-3: Correlation between temperature and TDS

Temperature and MLSS
The data presented in the table shows the relationship between temperature and Mixed Liquor Suspended
Solids (MLSS) in a biological tank. As temperature increases from 15°C to 30°C, MLSS levels also increase,
indicating enhanced microbial activity and biomass growth. Specifically, MLSS values rise from 2500 mg/L at
15°C to a peak of 3050 mg/L at 30°C. However, beyond 30°C, MLSS levels start to decline, with values dropping
to 2300 mg/L at 35°C and further to 1980 mg/L at 40°C. This decrease suggests that higher temperatures
negatively impact microbial communities or their activity, leading to a reduction in biomass concentration. The
data highlights that while moderate temperature increases can boost microbial growth and MLSS levels,
excessively high temperatures can have detrimental effects, reducing the overall MLSS in the biological tank.
Temperature and SVI
The data presents the relationship between temperature and Sludge Volume Index (SVI) in a biological tank,
with SVI measured in mg/L. As the temperature increases from 15°C to 20°C, the SVI slightly increases from 95
mg/L to 100 mg/L, indicating a marginal increase in sludge settleability. However, beyond 20°C, SVI begins to
decrease, dropping to 98 mg/L at 25°C, 90 mg/L at 30°C, 85 mg/L at 35°C, and reaching the lowest value of 80
mg/L at 40°C. This downward trend suggests that higher temperatures improve the settleability of sludge,
resulting in lower SVI values. Improved settleability at higher temperatures may be due to enhanced microbial
activity and changes in the physical properties of the sludge, leading to more compact and dense sludge
particles. Overall, the data indicates that while a slight increase in temperature initially raises the SVI, further
increases lead to a more pronounced improvement in sludge settleability, reflected in lower SVI values.

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3500 R² = 0.2921 120

3000 100 R² = 0.7789
SVI (mg/l)
2500
80
MLSS)(mg/l)
2000
60
1500
40
1000
500 20
0 0
15 20 25 30 35 40 15 20 25 30 35 40
Temperature (degree celsius) Temperature (degree celsius)
Figure-4: Correlation between temperature and MLSS Figure-5: Correlation between temperature and SVI
Statistical Significance Among the Parameters-Single Factor ANOVA Test
The ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) results provide insights into the differences between multiple groups:
Temperature, pH, DO, TDS, MLSS, and SVI in a biological tank. The analysis indicates that the between-group
variation (SS = 32,596,282.66) is significantly higher than the within-group variation (SS = 877,704.57). With a
high F-statistic value of 222.83 and an extremely low P-value (9.03E-23), the results strongly suggest that there
are significant differences between the group means. The F-value far exceeds the critical value (F crit = 2.53),
confirming that the observed differences in the averages of these groups are statistically significant. This
indicates that temperature, pH, DO, TDS, MLSS, and SVI are likely influenced by different factors, leading to
significant variability among them.
Figure-6: result of single factor ANOVA Test

V. CONCLUSION
The correlation between temperature and operational parameters like pH, DO, TDS, MLSS, and SVI in the
aeration tank of a textile factory's ETP is critical in understanding the treatment process efficiency. Higher
temperatures can cause a decrease in DO levels due to reduced solubility of oxygen in water, which can
negatively impact aerobic microbial activity essential for effective waste degradation. Temperature variations
also influence pH levels, typically causing them to fluctuate, which can affect the microbial community and the
overall treatment efficiency. Increased temperatures can lead to higher metabolic rates in microorganisms,

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potentially increasing MLSS but also leading to more rapid degradation of organic matter, which can enhance
the settling properties and lower SVI values. Conversely, during lower temperatures, the biological activity
slows down, potentially causing higher SVI due to poorer sludge settling characteristics. TDS levels might show
variable correlations with temperature changes depending on the specific solubility and presence of different
dissolved substances. Understanding these correlations helps in optimizing the operational parameters of the
ETP to ensure consistent treatment performance throughout different seasons.
VI. LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
While the research on the impacts of heatwaves on the functional parameters of an ETP in the context of a knit
composite textile factory in Bangladesh offers valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations.
The primary limitation stems from the study's narrow scope, focusing solely on one factory and collecting data
for a single year during the winter season (January-February). Relying on secondary water quality test reports
for major parameters such as temperature, DO, TDS, MLSS, and SVI, while conducting onsite testing using
available instruments in the ETP lab, provides a limited snapshot of the complex dynamics at play.
Consequently, the generalizability of the findings may be restricted, and the ability to draw broader conclusions
about the effects of heatwaves on ETP functionality may be compromised. Therefore, the study underscores the
necessity for further research encompassing multiple years and involving a diverse range of ETPs employing
different treatment technologies. Such comprehensive investigations would offer a more robust understanding
of the impacts of heatwaves on water quality parameters in textile effluent treatment, facilitating the
development of more effective mitigation strategies and sustainable management practices.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Due to confidentiality, the authors cannot disclose the names of the factory and ETP technicians, but they
gratefully acknowledge their support, transparency, and willingness to share the test report for this research.
Additionally, the authors appreciate the support provided by Lindex HK Ltd. for this research.
VII. REFERENCES
[1] Islam, M. M., Khan, M. S. R., & Rahman, M. M. (2020). Textile industries in Bangladesh and challenges of
growth. Textile Today, 6(4), 23-29.
[2] Hasan, M. K., Shahriar, A., & Jim, K. U. (2019). Water pollution by industrial effluent and phytoplankton
diversity of Shitalakhya River, Bangladesh. International Journal of Scientific and Research
Publications, 9(1), 2250-3153.
[3] Rahman, M. M., & Bakri, M. K. B. (2018). Environmental pollution of Bangladesh: Effects and responses.
Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, 15(1), 51-57.
[4] Li, X., Wang, Z., & Chen, S. (2019). Effects of temperature variations on the performance of wastewater
treatment systems. Journal of Environmental Management, 235, 24-32.
[5] Guo, H., Sun, X., & Zhang, Y. (2020). Impact of climate change on water quality and its implications on
effluent treatment processes. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(12), 7650-7660.
[6] Smith, J. A., & White, M. D. (2018). Climate change impacts on wastewater treatment operations: A
review. Water Environment Research, 90(3), 211-222.
[7] Jones, R., Baker, D., & Thompson, L. (2021). Strategies for managing effluent treatment plants in
response to climate change. Water Research, 188, 116544.
[8] Wang, Z., Wang, Z., & Jin, W. (2015). Effect of temperature on the performance of a textile wastewater
treatment system. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 283, 101-109.
[9] Metcalf & Eddy. (2014). Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery. McGraw-Hill
Education.
[10] Smith, A. L., Stadler, L. B., Love, N. G., & Skerlos, S. J. (2016). The effect of temperature on the operation
and performance of wastewater treatment systems. Water Research, 95, 64-72.
[11] Jin, B., Wilén, B. M., & Lant, P. (2018). Impacts of temperature on microbial activity and community
structure in activated sludge systems. Water Research, 42(1-2), 394-404.
[12] Park, C., Novak, J. T., & Helm, R. F. (2017). Thermophilic aerobic biological treatment of textile
wastewater. Water Environment Research, 89(12), 2085-2094.

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[13] Tchobanoglous, G., Burton, F.L., & Stensel, H.D. (2003). Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Reuse.
4th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.
[14] Smith, J., et al. (2018). Effects of Elevated Temperature on Biological Wastewater Treatment. Water
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[15] Jones, C. D., & Johnson, R. W. (2019). "Impact of Temperature Variation on Total Dissolved Solids in
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[16] Brown, L. K., & Smith, J. R. (2020). "Temperature Dependence of Total Dissolved Solids in Effluent
Treatment Plants: A Review." Journal of Environmental Engineering, 28(3), 421-435.
[17] Chen, H., et al. (2017). "Temperature Effects on Precipitation and Adsorption Processes in Wastewater
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[18] American Public Health Association (APHA). (2017). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater. 23rd Edition. APH.

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International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science

IMPACTS OF HEATWAVES ON THE FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF

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Figure-1: correlation between temperature and pH

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Figure-2: Correlation between temperature and DO

Figure-3: Correlation between temperature and TDS

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3500 R² = 0.2921 120

Temperature (degree celsius) Temperature (degree celsius)

Figure-6: result of single factor ANOVA Test

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