(13/11) Smart and Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Solutions for Small Municipalities

Christoph Platzer, General Director of "Rotária do Brazil"

The afternoon of the third day of the 17th SWWS and 9th ROS Conferences featured a keynote by Christoph Platzer, General Director of "Rotária do Brazil" and an expert in small-scale wastewater treatment and resource-oriented sanitation. Platzer shared the experience of an initiative conducted in Peru involving 800 families in remote areas without access to a sewer network. The adopted solution was the implementation of dry toilets, a technology aimed at providing basic sanitation sustainably without the need for conventional sewage infrastructure.

Based on this experience, Platzer emphasized the importance of understanding what is considered "small" in the context of wastewater treatment. He explained that for low-resource areas, wastewater treatment must be adapted, considering not only the size of the plant but also economic feasibility, social, and environmental impacts.

According to Platzer, a "sustainable small-scale wastewater treatment" is one that meets local needs while ensuring operational efficiency, low cost, and environmental preservation. He stressed that the criteria for small wastewater treatment plants differ significantly from those applied to large treatment facilities. In small communities, treatment must be more affordable, easier to maintain, and adapted to the economic and cultural realities of the population.

Solutions for Small-Scale Sanitation

Platzer outlined four wastewater treatment solutions suitable for small communities and rural areas. "For these solutions to succeed, there must be integration between ecological, social, and economic pillars to ensure effective and inclusive basic sanitation. Economically, this refers to effluent consumption, resource use, and circular economy. Socially, the focus is on affordable tariffs and equitable treatment between urban and rural areas, while ecologically, attention is on installation costs, energy consumption, and sludge disposal," he explained.

The General Director of Rotary Brazil highlighted the need for an integrated approach involving various public and private stakeholders in developing sanitation solutions. "Discussions on wastewater treatment should include not only environmental authorities but also ministries responsible for sanitation and water, as well as essential service companies. Collaboration among these stakeholders is crucial to making dry sanitation and other sustainable alternatives viable in underserved areas," he stated.

Sanitation for All

Platzer concluded his lecture by emphasizing that "sanitation for all" is not limited to extending sewer networks to urban areas. It is also essential to provide suitable solutions for areas without access to conventional infrastructure, such as rural and peripheral zones. "In a world constantly challenged by climate change and resource scarcity, the dry toilet model and other sustainable technologies can represent a significant step forward in ensuring basic sanitation for everyone, without compromising the environment and natural resources," he concluded.

(11/11) The universalization of drinking water and sanitation services for environmental protection and public health

Carlos Augusto Lemos Chernicharo - CRETES​ and Lourdinha Florencio - Federal University of Pernambuco

Carlos Chernicharo, an Environmental Engineer from Newcastle University (UK), delivered a lecture on Tuesday morning during the 17th IWA Small Water and Wastewater Systems and 9th IWA Resource Oriented Sanitation Conferences, held in Curitiba-PR, at the Industry Campus of the Federation of Industries of Paraná State (FIEP). Chernicharo was a full professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil) and a researcher at the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) until his retirement in 2020. He is currently the Director of the consulting firm Chernicharo & Bressani and the Reference Center for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Plants.

In his presentation, the expert emphasized the universalization of drinking water and wastewater services as an essential goal to ensure public health and environmental protection in the country. He argued that achieving lasting and efficient solutions requires universal and equitable access to sanitation services, especially in underserved regions where the lack of basic infrastructure directly impacts the quality of life. "Despite significant progress, many challenges remain. Universalization cannot be seen merely as a goal but as an urgent necessity for promoting health and preserving the environment," the professor stated during his presentation.

One of the key points raised by the professor was the importance of community involvement and user awareness. According to him, the sustainability of sanitation systems depends not only on the installed infrastructure but also on active community participation and understanding of how conscious water use and proper waste disposal directly impact the environment and public health. "Without people's participation, no sanitation system can be sustainable in the long term. Awareness of the value of water, the importance of preserving water resources, and responsible wastewater use are essential to ensure system efficiency," he emphasized.

Another issue addressed concerned the need to improve and expand professional training in the sanitation sector. For Chernicharo, much of the existing knowledge is already available but is not necessarily appropriately or effectively applied by all professionals in the field. "Training needs to be expanded at all professional levels. Universities and educational institutions must be more aligned with practical needs and innovative solutions to sanitation problems," he explained, highlighting that the lack of technical qualifications in some regions of Brazil compromises the efficiency and sustainability of implemented projects.

Discussing the selection of appropriate technologies, particularly in a country like Brazil with vast regional contrasts, Chernicharo mentioned that, in many situations, choosing the wrong technology can result in high costs and ineffective sanitation solutions, harming both the environment and public health. As an alternative, he suggested that technologies should be adapted to local conditions, considering factors such as resource availability, climate, and the socioeconomic characteristics of the region. Additionally, he stressed that innovation must be a central pillar in public policies and private initiatives aimed at the sanitation sector.

Regarding environmental legislation, he specifically highlighted waterbody standards as a crucial factor for implementing water reuse projects. In areas where the natural dilution of pollutants is insufficient, he pointed to the use of flexible STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants) as a practical alternative for treating and reusing water sustainably. "Environmental legislation can be a great ally as it can drive the creation of public policies focused on water reuse, especially in regions with water scarcity or severe pollution problems," he stated.

Concluding his speech at the event, he reminded the audience that, while technology and financial resources are fundamental, they are not sufficient on their own to ensure effective environmental protection and public health. He emphasized that the expansion of sanitation infrastructure must be carefully planned, with the implementation of appropriate and sustainable solutions for each region. "Strategic planning involving both the public and private sectors is necessary, with a close eye on local specificities. Funding must be well-targeted, and resource allocation should be closely monitored to ensure the expected outcomes," he concluded.

(11/11) Global Challenges and the Need for an Integrated Vision in Water Treatment

Kartik Chandran, professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering at Columbia University

Kartik Chandran, professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering at Columbia University and a global leader in sustainable wastewater treatment and resource recovery, opened his lecture at the 17th IWA Small Water and Wastewater Systems and 9th IWA Resource Oriented Sanitation Conferences by emphasizing the importance of adopting a systemic approach to water treatment and reuse. This approach, he explained, considers the multiple dimensions that impact public health and the environment. "Water quality is not limited to what we consume directly. Good-quality water must also be used for cleaning utensils involved in food preparation, in the bathrooms we use, and for the animals we will later consume," Chandran pointed out. "Water must be treated comprehensively—not just for direct consumption, but for every stage of a process that involves public health, food production, and environmental well-being," he added.

The use of innovative engineering was one of the key topics highlighted by Chandran. He explained how water resources can be recovered from residues found in streams through the collection of water and waste often discarded without proper assessment of their reuse potential. Chandran emphasized that while water treatment technology continues to evolve, even the simplest solutions generate a considerable amount of reusable waste that can be applied to various fields, such as agriculture or energy production.

He also underscored the high costs associated with the lack of water treatment, particularly in countries like India. "The Indian government, for example, faces billions in financial losses due to poor water resource management and a lack of infrastructure for sewage and drinking water treatment. This reality urgently calls for a reassessment of public policies and investments in sustainable and effective water management and sanitation solutions," he noted.

Near the conclusion of his lecture, Chandran stressed that water treatment and basic sanitation should not be seen solely in terms of the quantity of water required for consumption but as part of an integrated strategy involving public health. According to him, inadequate water treatment practices can result in severe health problems, such as waterborne diseases, while also compromising food security and environmental safety for entire communities. "Technological advances in sanitation and water treatment are meaningless if they do not reach the most vulnerable populations. The true benefits of studies and innovations in this field are only realized when these technologies are accessible, effective, and inclusive. Otherwise, all progress can be considered incomplete since the ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone, especially the most disadvantaged, has access to the basics for human dignity and public health," Chandran concluded.