Environmental Glossary
Industrial waste and hazardous materials management involves specialist terminology, regulatory requirements and advanced technologies. This glossary explains key terms to create a clear, shared professional vocabulary.
E
Evaporation
A treatment method for concentrated brine in which heat evaporates the water, leaving concentrated salts behind. It is used in zero liquid discharge (ZLD) processes and for brine that cannot be discharged. It can be energy-intensive but is effective for highly concentrated streams. The resulting dry salts require disposal.
I
Interim Storage of Hazardous Waste
Temporary storage before waste is transferred to a final treatment facility. Israeli regulations require hazardous waste removal within six months of its generation, with appropriate containment, drainage, segregation and signage.
O
Oil-Water Emulsion
A stable mixture of oil and water produced in metalworking, machine cooling and heavy industry. Its oil content can make it hazardous waste. Dedicated separation, such as chemical treatment, ultrafiltration or evaporation, is required before authorised disposal.
R
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
A high-pressure membrane filtration technology that separates water from dissolved salts and contaminants. It is widely used in seawater desalination and industrial water-treatment systems. The concentrated by-product, known as brine or concentrate, requires an authorised disposal route.
W
Wastewater Surcharge
An additional charge imposed on businesses that discharge wastewater exceeding the standards set by water-corporation rules. It is calculated using the concentration and quantity of excess pollutants. Such charges can encourage reduced pollution loads, independent disposal and pretreatment systems.