Each of the major processes developed by the industry should be studied with the objective of evaluating the trends in plant locations, effects on area-wide water quality, and treatment requirements. Since there will be no significant changes in petrochemical feedstocks, the patterns of feedstock usage should be monitored and major changes evaluated in terms of the water use and water reuse requirements, potential pollution problems, and product development. Because the main contribution to environmental pollution from the petrochemical industry emanates from process waste streams, comparative cost analyses should be made on typical recycle (feedstock) practices and on associated wastewater treatment requirements. Master plans for in-plant wastewater collection should include facilities to segregate process waste from less contaminated streams. Problem areas in the physical, chemical and biological treatment processes, as well as disposal methods, are listed. A detailed and basic study should be initiated to evaluate the cost of treating wastes from single plants or process streams with combined wastes from several plants. (Author)

Cover title: Petrochemical effluents treatment practices, detailed. "February 1970." "Program No. 12020." "Contract No. 14-12-461." Includes bibliographical references. Microfiche.