Abstract:
The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry is a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy, comprising over 82% of its total exports. However, the industry's rapid expansion has brought about environmental concerns, chiefly due to the generation of toxic effluents during textile dyeing and washing processes, coupled with high water consumption. This has raised significant apprehensions regarding the potential threats posed to the environment, agriculture, ecology, and human health. The escalating demand for water within these industries exacerbates the risk, leading to declining groundwater levels and a scarcity of potable water. Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) have emerged as indispensable mechanisms to address these challenges by minimizing the harmful impact of wastewater and rendering it safe for reuse in various applications, including irrigation. This research endeavors to evaluate the efficacy of select ETPs deployed within the RMG sector by integrating critical performance parameters. Through a meticulous examination of three companies' ETPs, this study aims to ascertain their reliability by comparing their performance against established government standards. Moreover, the assessment includes an analysis of the coefficient of reliability (COR) and reliability level to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ETPs' operational effectiveness. Ultimately, through a comparative analysis of the performance of these chosen ETPs, accompanied by recommendations for potential enhancements, this research contributes to the ongoing efforts towards mitigating environmental pollution and promoting sustainable industrial practices within the RMG industry.