Challenges of wastewater generation and management in sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

Abstract

The continuous growth in population and industrial development has prompted wastewater (WW) generation in enormous volume with resultant effects on the quality of water in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The generated WW flows into freshwater thereby depleting water quality in the region as the amount of WW treated before discharge into the environment is < 10%. There have been several studies that focused on the effect of water pollution and its related issues on public health and the environment. Undeniably, there is a substantial capacity for progress in wastewater management (WWM) with its numerous benefits to the public and the environment. The global community has been faced with a water quality crisis emanating from rapid population growth, poor wastewater treatment (WWT), etc. SSA comprises ∼1 billion people with ∼25% who are having access to quality drinking water, and < 30% having access to essential sanitation services. Thus, this study aims to offer a summary of challenges facing wastewater management in the SSA region, wastewater as a resource, wastewater treatment plants, and wastewater as a resource in a circular economy. This high point presents the summary of health challenges/effects of untreated wastewater on the environment and public health and their associated diseases/illnesses. And environmental and economic benefits of effective wastewater management. A significant examination was made of the statutory regulations, social acceptability, economic aspects, and solution to wastewater issues were all emphasized.

Keywords

• Wastewater
• Water contaminants
• Wastewater treatment
• Water reuse
• Circular economy
• Environmental