Work

Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Its Interlinkages with the Sustainable Development Goals

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the face of acute water scarcity and sanitation challenges emblematic of arid and semi-arid regions (ASARs), this study investigated the transformative upgrade of the Aqaba Conventional Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plant (CAS-AWWTP) in Jordan. The project, expanding capacity to 40,000 m3/day, integrated sustainable features including renewable energy and repurposed natural treatment ponds functioning as artificial wetlands. The plant’s treatment performance, byproduct valorization, and alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs) were assessed. Comparative analysis revealed that the upgraded CAS-AWWTP consistently outperforms the previous natural and extended activated sludge systems. CAS-AWWTP average removal efficiencies of BOD5, COD, TSS, and T-N were 99.1%, 96.6%, 98.7%, and 95.1%, respectively, achieving stringent reuse standards and supplying approximately 30% of Aqaba Governorate’s annual water budget, thus conserving freshwater for domestic use. Furthermore, the plant achieved 44% electrical self-sufficiency through renewable energy integration, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The creation of artificial wetlands transformed the site into a vital ecological habitat, attracting over 270 bird species and becoming a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, drawing over 10,000 visitors annually. This transformation underscores the plant’s dual role in wastewater treatment and environmental conservation. The AWWTP upgrade exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainable development, impacting multiple SDGs. Beyond improving sanitation (SDG 6), it enhances water reuse for agriculture and industry (SDG 6.4, 9.4), promotes renewable energy (SDG 7), stimulates economic growth (SDG 8), strengthens urban sustainability (SDG 11), fosters resource efficiency (SDG 12), and supports biodiversity (SDG 14/15). The project’s success, facilitated by multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17), provides a replicable model for water-scarce regions seeking sustainable wastewater management solutions.

Source: Resources

DOI: 10.3390/resources14040062

Authors: Laila A. Al-Khatib, Ahmad M. AlHanaktah

Institution: Al-Hussein Bin Talal University

Language: English

Topic: Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930