Test wastewater and sludge
Establishing appropriate testing parameters for wastewater and sludge is a fundamental element of effective wastewater and sludge management.
It enables the identification, monitoring and control of pollutants throughout production processes, supporting environmental protection and responsible chemical management.
Wastewater testing parameters
The parameters to be monitored for wastewater quality are:
- ZDHC MRSL substances: To check for intentional use of ZDHC MRSL substances and/or high levels of respective contamination in chemical inputs.
- Heavy metals: Must be monitored in direct discharge and indirect discharges categories only.
- Conventional parameters and anions: Must be monitored in direct discharge category.
Direct discharge generates ≥15m3 industrial wastewater per day
- Sample untreated wastewater and test for MRSL parameters
- Sample discharged wastewater and test for heavy metal parameters
- Sample discharged wastewater and test for conventional and anions parameters
Indirect discharge with pretreatment (with sludge) ≥15m3 industrial wastewater per day
- Sample untreated wastewater and test for MRSL parameters
- Sample discharged wastewater and test for test only arsenic, cadmium, chromium (VI), lead, mercury parameters
Indirect discharge with pretreatment (without sludge) ≥15m3 industrial wastewater per day
- Sample untreated wastewater and test for MRSL parameters
- Sample discharged wastewater and test for test only arsenic, cadmium, chromium (VI), lead, mercury parameters
Indirect discharge without pretreatment ≥15m3 industrial wastewater per day
- Sample untreated wastewater and test for MRSL parameters
- Sample discharged wastewater and test for test only arsenic, cadmium, chromium (VI), lead, mercury parameters
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) ≥15m3 industrial wastewater per day
- Sample untreated wastewater and test for MRSL parameters
Direct discharge generates <15m3 industrial wastewater per day
- Sample discharged wastewater and test for heavy metal parameters
- Sample discharged wastewater and test for conventional and anions parameters
Indirect discharge with pretreatment (with sludge) <15m3 industrial wastewater per day
No requirement
Indirect discharge with pretreatment (without sludge) <15m3 industrial wastewater per day
No requirement
Indirect discharge without pretreatment <15m3 industrial wastewater per day
No requirement
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) <15m3 industrial wastewater per day
No requirement
Sludge testing parameters
Sludge testing requirements depend on the disposal pathway.
- Test ZDHC MRSL substances.
- Test listed metals to check if they exceed the threshold limit values. If a listed metal(s) exceeds the threshold value, test metal leachate(s).
- Test for conventional parameters (pH, faecal coliform, % solids and paint filter test) and cyanide as applicable.
Disposal pathway A testing requirements
- Test ZDHC MRSL substances
- Test % solids
Disposal pathway B testing requirements
- Test ZDHC MRSL substances
- Test % solids
Disposal pathway C testing requirements
- Test ZDHC MRSL substances
- Test % solids
Disposal pathway D testing requirements
- Test ZDHC MRSL substances.
- Test listed metals to check if they exceed the threshold limit values. If a listed metal(s) exceeds the threshold value, test metal leachate(s).
- Test for conventional parameters (pH, % solids and paint filter test) and cyanide as applicable.
Disposal pathway E testing requirements
- Test ZDHC MRSL substances.
- Test listed metals to check if they exceed the threshold limit values. If a listed metal(s) exceeds the threshold value, test metal leachate(s).
- Test for conventional parameters (pH, % solids and paint filter test) and cyanide as applicable.
Disposal pathway F testing requirements
- Test ZDHC MRSL substances.
- Test listed metals to check if they exceed the threshold limit values. If a listed metal(s) exceeds the threshold value, test metal leachate(s).
- Test for conventional parameters (pH, faecal coliform, % solids and paint filter test) and cyanide as applicable.
Disposal pathway G testing requirements
- Test ZDHC MRSL substances.
- Test listed metals to check if they exceed the threshold limit values. If a listed metal(s) exceeds the threshold value, test metal leachate(s).
- Test for conventional parameters (pH, faecal coliform, % solids and paint filter test) and cyanide as applicable.
Following the specific requirements defined by discharge type, flow and disposal pathway, these tables provide the Master Analytical Parameter Suites for wastewater and sludge. These comprehensive reference lists consolidate all mandatory substances, standardised test methods, and required reporting limits to ensure full technical alignment with the ZDHC Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines.
All Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines Tables