Domestic Wastewater Treatment: A short communication

Abstract

The present paper describes technologies the authors believe to be reflecting a fair selection out of the numerous technologies and possible combinations of wastewater treatment that are available today. Experts familiar with the general topic of wastewater treatment or on-site sanitation will understand that this paper has to have some 'guidelines' to stay focused in context of developing countries. In order to achieve that, the present article gives technical criteria for the selection of wastewater treatment technologies and identifies conditions under which a certain number of toilets can be connected to a single small-scale waste water treatment plant (SSWTP). This article also lists the conditions where SSWTP represents an efficient alternative to either conventional sewage or on-site wastewater treatment/disposal technologies. Since the authors believe that wastewater treatment knowledge is basically non-existent in the developing countries; a general description that summaries the basics of wastewater treatment has been included. This short communication also discusses about alternative approach for sustainable water management. It is hoped that this facilitates the 'digestion' of this paper.