Environmentally Sound Technology for Wastewater and Stormwater Management

The international source book on Environmentally Sound Technologies in Wastewater and Stormwater Management is an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme - International Environment Technology Centre in response to the need for information specifically for decision makers in developing countries and countries with economy in transition. The urgent need is highlighted by the fact that two thirds of the world population is without access to adequate sanitation. Inadequate wastewater and stormwater management results in poor public health, loss of economic productivity and environmental degradation. The source book provides information on the basis for wastewater and stormwater management to achieve sustainability. A framework is put forward to achieve this objective based on environmental, economic and social considerations. Though the emphasis of the source book is on technology it provides a brief background to the scientific basis for achieving environmental sustainability. A range of technologies in wastewater and stormwater collection, treatment, reuse and disposal is presented with emphasis on recycling/reuse of the water and nutrients in the water. Decision support systems to assist with selection of the most appropriate technology for a particular local situation are described ranging from simple flowsheets to computer-aided software packages. Sound practices are described which can achieve environmental sustainability. A key feature of the book is the Regional Overviews covering Africa, West Asia, Asia Pacific, North, Central and South America and Small Islands Developing States in the Pacific and Caribbean. These provide practices and case studies in the regions which can be applicable more widely. Information on organisations from which further information can be obtained is an added feature of the Regional Overviews. Contents Section 1: Toward a Framework for Wastewater and Stormwater Management Section 2: Environmentally Sound Technologies and Practices Section 3: Regional Overviews and Information Sources