Advancing Global Goals: The Critical Role of Wastewater Treatment in Sustainable Development

Wastewater treatment aims to remove contaminants from water used in households, industries, and businesses to make it safe for return to the environment or for reuse. This includes removing suspended solids, reducing organic matter and pollutants, and eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses. The primary treatment process typically removes about 60% of suspended solids, while secondary treatment can remove over 90%

The expansion of wastewater treatment is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.3, which focuses on improving water quality by reducing pollution and halving the proportion of untreated wastewater. Significant expansions in wastewater treatment are required worldwide, especially in regions with high pollutant loadings. For instance, countries like China, the USA, and India are leading in required expansions by 2030. This expansion is not only about increasing capacity but also about enhancing the efficiency of removing pollutants like biological oxygen demand (BOD) and fecal coliform (FC) to improve surface water quality

One of the key challenges in wastewater treatment is dealing with emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals and microplastics, which pose risks to both human health and the environment. These contaminants are often not fully understood, making it difficult to incorporate them effectively into water management and treatment processes

Recycling wastewater is becoming an increasingly important part of water resource management. This approach involves treating municipal wastewater to a higher quality and reusing it for both potable (drinkable) and non-potable purposes. This practice is essential in areas facing water scarcity and is supported by advancements in technology, reliable monitoring, and public acceptance. Recycled wastewater can be reintroduced into the environment or directly used in water supply systems, contributing to the diversification of water resources and enhancing water security, especially during droughts

The wastewater treatment industry is evolving with new technologies and approaches to address the growing demand for clean water. Innovations in treatment processes, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness are shaping the future of wastewater management. The focus is shifting towards more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective methods to not only treat but also recycle and reuse wastewater, aligning with global efforts to achieve a more sustainable and resilient water future.

Industrial facilities, such as refineries, chemical plants, and petrochemical plants, often produce wastewater containing high concentrations of organic matter (like oil and grease), toxic pollutants (such as heavy metals and volatile organic compounds), and nutrients (like ammonia). While some of this industrial wastewater can be treated in municipal sewage treatment plants, most industrial processes have their own specialized treatment facilities to ensure that pollutant concentrations in the treated wastewater comply with regulatory standards for disposal into sewers or natural water bodies