4.3.2 Textile industry

The raw materials for the textile industry are wool, cotton and synthetic fibres. The processing of wool and cotton involves removing natural impurities, such as dust, and imparting particular qualities relating to appearance, feel and durability. Water is used for washing at various stages, producing effluent that is likely to contain suspended solids and organic material from processing the fibres. It may also contain dyes and other chemicals, depending on the specific processes used in the factory. The outputs from these processes are used to make clothing and other textile products (Figure 4.5).

Figure 4.5 Textile factories may be clean and dry but they depend on the previous processing of raw materials that produces liquid effluents.