Reducing Cadmium Concentrations in Industrial Wastewaters, Resource Recovery from Waste, and Alleviating Pressure on Chaya River via the Establishment of a Transitional Wastewater Treatment Facility

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KCM stands as Bulgaria’s largest producer of lead and zinc and holds a significant position in non-ferrous and precious metal production across Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region. The manufacturing uniqueness of KCM is underscored by its operations being conducted on a common site for both lead and zinc production. Located proximate to the protected Natura 2000 site of Chaya River, KCM’s integrated facility directs wastewater from its processes into the river via a 4 km canal heading northeast. While KCM consistently observes best practices, there is recognition that the current technology’s scope for advancement is saturated. To address this, the LIFE RECAD project seeks to roll out a pioneering multi-stage wastewater purification procedure. Central to this endeavor is the establishment of a Transitional Wastewater Treatment Facility, incorporating an exclusive technological treatment methodology to mitigate pollutants. This system also introduces a cutting-edge, patented technique for retrieving valuable metals like zinc, cadmium, and lead from wastewaters. Beyond their potential recycling as secondary raw materials, this process promises to enhance operational circularity. Such innovative measures anticipate a robust fourfold decline in cadmium discharge into Chaya River, which will mark a significant advancement in its ecological status and ensuring a considerable improvement in the river’s environmental health.