Environmental engineering technologies play an important role in minimizing the impact of urban and industrial development on the natural world. This obviously has an impact on manufacturing and the processes deployed to make or service their production output.
Cutting edge technologies are providing new ways to treat waste water, to reduce pollution and harmful emissions, and to achieve goals that will allow for more sustainable urban development.
Growing populations and larger cities pose a very serious threat to ecosystems and wildlife. The newest environmental engineering tools that are being used today have the potential to make a real difference in ensuring a brighter future for all – with a resulting impact on manufacturers at the same time.
Biofiltration Water Treatment Systems
Conventional water treatment methods rely on harsh chemicals in order to remove contaminates from water that will later be used for irrigation or consumption. Biofiltration is a naturally occurring process that utilizes porous materials and microorganisms to remove sediment or contaminants without harming the environment. While biolfiltration operations often utilize conventional equipment such as holding tanks or submersible pumps, they are able to treat and filter water with less need for harsh chemicals. Manufacturers like PFC Equipment, Inc are even making pumps available in non-metallic materials so various industries can treat waste water in an even more eco-friendly way.
Hybrid-Electric Vehicles
Vehicle emissions create harmful air pollution as well as releasing greenhouse gasses. Hybrid-electric vehicles are designed to run more efficiently, which improves fuel economy while reducing emissions. From passenger cars and trucks to hybrid-electric commercial and mass-transit vehicles to Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), this technology has the potential to make a real difference. While pure-electric vehicles that operate without producing harmful emissions are beginning to hit the market in greater numbers, hybrid-electric technology is currently a more viable and cost-effective option.
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is a technique that uses UV light to kill or inactivate potentially harmful microorganism. UVGI can be used to sterilize water, air, and even surfaces without harming the environment. UVGI is typically incorporated into ventilation systems or utilized in order to create a sterile environment. This technology can be used without increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
New advances and breakthroughs within the field of environmental engineering continue to have an impact on both urban planning, manufacturing operations management and everyday life. The latest tools, technologies and resources play an important role in helping to reduce the harm being done to the natural environment. Future trends that include agrofarming methods, high-altitude and off-shore wind farms, and more sustainable manufacturing techniques may be able to make an even greater difference in the days to come. Cutting edge technology and future developments offer the means to ensure more sustainable development and the creation of more environmentally sustainable industrial methods – helping to make a better future.
If you liked this article, here are others you might also find interesting:
- How Emerging Green Technologies Are Impacting Manufacturing
- Managing Water in Manufacturing: A Challenge that’s Not Going to Evaporate
- Using MES to help Manage Energy? It may be Closer Than you Think.
- Expanding Manufacturing’s Contribution to a Better Society
