Special Reviews: Environmental Problems in Graphic Arts Industry

Environmental Problems in Paper Making and its Solution

Abstract

Pulp and paper industry needs much energy and water. So, the environmental problems in pulp and paper making are mainly water and air pollution. In the past, we had many pollution-related troubles in the regions near pulp and paper mills. The effluent from pulping and paper making process contains the substances related to COD, BOD, SS and chromaticity. These substances cause water pollution. Air pollution is related to SO_X and NO_X derived from burning the fuel such as heavy oil, coal and biomass to produce steam and electric power in boiler. Recently, these problems have been eased to some extent by the technological advance and the inventive ideas of many engineers. In the near future, the ECF bleaching method may give one of the solution to the environmental problems in the pulp and paper making process. The remaining issues in future are the global environmental problem and the endocrine problem. In addition, LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) will be important and popular for both producers and consumers.