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Decentralized Methods of Wastewater Management in Small Communities
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Hamed Akbari   , Mohammad Nobakht * , Kian Kianmehr |
| Marine Medicine Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of medical science, Tehran, Iran , marinemedicine@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (68 Views) |
| Surface waters are among the most important components of the environment. Providing wastewater treatment services that are economically feasible while accounting for technical considerations in small communities remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world. The limitations and shortcomings of centralized wastewater treatment systems for small communities are well recognized. Centralized wastewater collection and treatment systems are costly to construct, operate, and maintain, particularly in areas with low population density and widely dispersed wastewater generation points. Furthermore, developing and underprivileged regions often face financial constraints in constructing centralized facilities, as well as a lack of technical expertise required for their effective management and operation. In this context, decentralized wastewater treatment approaches, which rely on on-site systems or small-scale networks serving limited areas, have attracted increasing attention as viable alternatives. These approaches offer greater managerial flexibility and allow for the application of a wide range of technologies, from simple to advanced. Decentralized systems not only represent a sustainable long-term solution for small communities, but also demonstrate advantages in terms of reliability and overall cost-effectiveness. This paper provides a review of various decentralized approaches to wastewater treatment and management, with particular emphasis on their applicability in small communities. Although numerous barriers and challenges exist in wastewater management for such communities, many of these issues can be addressed through appropriate planning and the implementation of relevant policies. A thorough understanding of local environmental and climatic conditions is essential for selecting suitable technologies and should be achieved through comprehensive site assessment. Moreover, direct and continuous management of decentralized wastewater treatment systems is necessary to ensure regular inspection and maintenance. Finally, management strategies should be specifically tailored to the social, cultural, environmental, and economic conditions of the target region. |
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| Keywords: Decentralized wastewater management, islands, small communities, environment, wastewater treatment, Persian Gulf |
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Full-Text [PDF 535 kb]
(51 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Marine Medicine
Received: 2025/04/9 | Accepted: 2026/02/24 | Published: 2026/04/30
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