Track: Environmental Engineering
Abstract
The optometry waste being generated from the optometry industry under study includes cutting, smoothing and polishing waste. During the glass smoothing and polishing stage the liquid has a pH of 11.80 and 11.05 respectively. This basic pH can be neutralized by adding a mineral acid like sulphuric acid. The plastic glass smoothing stage produces acidic liquid waste of around 4.70. This pH can be neutralized by adding calcium hydroxide before disposal into the municipal system. The optometry waste had high solids content ranging from 0.8-10.1 g/L and these must be filtered off and disposed off safely in metal containers or plastics. A proper environmental management plan must include proper record keeping, training of personnel and managing of multi-hazardous waste.