The method of disposing of domestic waste is still controversial, especially in terms of fresh water consumption and wastewater treatment costs. Therefore, the method of reducing the volume of water used in the bathroom from ten liters to one liter is now described as a very advanced step in saving fresh water and reducing the cost and expense of wastewater treatment.
There is a lot of research into ways to develop wastewater treatment, including looking at using wind energy instead of water in toilets or less water, as is the case with airplanes, or exploring the possibility of reusing waste, especially urine. , other uses To produce energy, fertilizer or nitrogen, in parallel or with new generation toilets that take urine and feces instead of disposing of it. Scientists believe that urine, for example, is a nutrient-rich substance that can be used to fertilize crops or be used in industrial processes instead of being pumped into rivers, seas and bodies of water, causing pollution. A study published in the journal Nature last month predicts that the amount of urine that humans produce is enough to replace about a quarter of the amount of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers used worldwide today! In addition, urine contains potassium and many trace elements. Therefore, there is now a lot of research, studies and experiments to change the model of toilets to promote the collection and reuse of urine instead of flushing or rinsing, saving large amounts of water and reducing the burden on the old. and dilapidated sewer systems due to overuse and treatment costs.
Ancient societies always used urine for fertilizing crops, tanning skin, washing clothes, making gunpowder and some medicines, etc. Currently, there are many developments in thinking and analysis around the world to solve such problems from a new perspective based on the adoption of the principle of sustainability and the circular economy as priority principles in the strategies adopted. of countries. If there are precious metals in urine that can be used to make other materials with different values and uses, this can lead to rethinking, analysis and changes in techniques, methods and psychology. The first thing that needs to change is to stop using so -called wastewater. If there are important substances and minerals in the urine, they should be collected and stored, not wasted! And the change from the method of disposal to the method of conservation, and the change from the psychology of “compression” and rejection to the psychology of acceptance and reuse, with this change (in the psyche) of inestimable economic and health importance. at times. of collapse and more. If the most important and most dangerous cause of freshwater pollution is sewage, and the cost of wastewater treatment, according to the current dominant method based on the collection of wastewater through networks connected to treatment plants, is three times the cost of providing drinking water. … That’s more than enough reason to change strategy and psychology together.
In a country like Lebanon, which is blessed with a rich and renewable ecosystem, there is no need to change the mentality to the point where it accepts wastewater treatment and makes it drinking water at great cost. an abundance of drinking water from pollution as a priority rather than increasing the volume or filling the illusion that scarcity advocated by unconstitutional water traders is putting their hands on this vital and valuable resource.
Adherence to the principle of sustainability also requires reviewing the method of evaluating technologies, especially the issue of urine diversion and recycling, and benefiting from them in various aspects, such as obtaining raw materials from fresh water and minerals, mitigating its impact on the environment. . the problem of climate change and energy conservation.
Prior to the Lebanese collapse, more than 80% of wastewater (approximately 310 million m3/year) was untreated. It is expected that after the collapse the situation will worsen in terms of interest in solving these types of hidden problems (compared to the apparent MSW), although they are more dangerous in all aspects, as indicated in above! Not only that, the almost global wars taking place in the Ukrainian arena and the increase in arms budgets of the countries concerned will certainly come at the expense of environmental and development issues, for which all international assistance and programs for wastewater treatment here will decline. It is known that nearly three billion people worldwide still do not have sewage treatment networks, according to studies by the World Health Organization and UNICEF in 2017, with expectations of further deterioration and an increase in the number of illness and death as a result of water. pollution and lack of wastewater treatment at some stage after recent wars and the continuing economic collapse.
Based on this, Lebanon should change its water management strategy (2010) and revise the final draft of its strategy (2020), especially in terms of redefining the so -called “wastewater”, and not be content with the adjustments. of the tariff and the introduction of additional fees only as proposed and expanded the scope of treatment of this problem by passing rules. Above all, reduce water consumption for all purposes, control waste in networks and seek new treatment methods that respect the principles of sustainability and conservation, not excessive consumption, and instead humility. empty and false “salvation” that involves major problems that can be left out or avoided.
Source: Al Akhbar
