In the high-stakes world of semiconductor manufacturing, the production of chip wastewater presents a significant environmental challenge. This wastewater, laden with contaminants like fluoride and organic carbon/nitrogen, requires rigorous treatment to meet stringent environmental standards. However, the energy-intensive processes involved in treating this wastewater also contribute to substantial carbon emissions, a critical issue as industries worldwide strive for sustainability.
A groundbreaking study led by Xingmei Liang, from the Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control of Shenzhen, has shed new light on the carbon emissions associated with chip wastewater treatment. The research, published in ‘能源环境保护’ (Energy, Environment and Protection), reveals that the carbon emission intensities of typical chip wastewater treatment processes can be significantly higher than those of municipal wastewater treatment processes. Liang’s findings underscore the urgent need for more efficient and environmentally friendly treatment methods.
The study, which adopted the emission factor method recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), analyzed seven typical chip wastewater treatment processes (A to G). The results were eye-opening. Process G, for instance, had the lowest carbon emissions of 1.2×104 kg CO2e/d, with indirect electricity consumption accounting for the highest proportion at 30%. This highlights the critical role of energy efficiency in reducing carbon emissions.
Liang emphasized the importance of optimizing treatment processes to minimize energy consumption. “Through in-depth investigation and analysis, the application of new energy utilization models and process optimization methods in the treatment of chip wastewater can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions,” Liang stated. This insight is particularly relevant for the energy sector, which is increasingly under pressure to support sustainable industrial practices.
The study also revealed that process G achieved an average reduction of 10% in carbon emissions, with a maximum reduction reaching 35%. This is a significant achievement, considering the challenges posed by the treatment of fluoride and organic carbon/nitrogen. The findings suggest that process G not only meets the Class Ⅲ standard of the Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard (GB 3838—2002) but also has a high land utilization rate and efficient wastewater treatment.
The commercial implications of this research are profound. As the semiconductor industry continues to grow, so does the volume of chip wastewater. Efficient treatment processes that minimize carbon emissions can lead to substantial cost savings and environmental benefits. Companies in the energy sector can play a pivotal role by investing in and developing technologies that support these optimized treatment methods.
Liang’s work serves as a clarion call for the industry to embrace more sustainable practices. By focusing on energy efficiency and process optimization, the semiconductor industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint. This research not only provides a roadmap for achieving these goals but also sets a benchmark for future developments in the field. As Liang noted, “Promoting the development of the industry in a greener and more sustainable direction is not just an environmental imperative but also a commercial necessity.”
The study’s findings, published in ‘能源环境保护’ (Energy, Environment and Protection), offer a compelling case for the adoption of more sustainable wastewater treatment processes. As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, the insights gained from this research will be invaluable in shaping future developments and ensuring a more sustainable future for all.
