Wastewater treatment has long been a prominent challenge in China, characterized by issues such as low treatment efficiency and incomplete pipeline networks in many regions. Despite ongoing efforts, the enhancement of wastewater treatment capacity remains sluggish. This paper examines three key factors contributing to this slow progress.
Relatively Backward Traditional Wastewater Treatment Technologies
Technology is a core determinant of operational efficiency across industries, and wastewater treatment is no exception—the performance of treatment technologies directly influences the operational efficiency of urban wastewater treatment facilities. Statistical data indicates that China’s wastewater treatment rate stood at 15.8% in 1998, whereas the United States had already achieved a 70% treatment rate as early as 1980. This significant gap primarily stems from China’s relatively low level of wastewater treatment technology.
In recent years, however, notable advancements have been made (albeit with remaining disparities compared to developed nations). For instance, integrated wastewater treatment systems, which adopt MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) technology, combine the advantages of biological treatment and membrane separation. By using ultrafiltration membrane modules as sludge-water separation units, MBR systems extend the retention time of organic matter, increase biomass concentration, and thereby improve the removal efficiency of refractory organic pollutants.
Excessive Investment Requirements for Wastewater Treatment System Construction
Wastewater treatment systems play a critical role in preventing water quality deterioration. Historically, China’s economic development level has lagged behind that of developed regions, resulting in limited funding allocated to wastewater management. Many areas lack the financial resources to establish standardized wastewater treatment systems, exacerbating the challenge of improving treatment capacity.
Inadequate Management Systems
Traditional wastewater treatment technologies are complex and require operation by skilled professionals. However, China faces a shortage of operators with sufficient technical competence and management expertise. This deficit often leads to situations where newly installed wastewater treatment systems fail to operate normally due to mismanagement. For example, the treatment of medical wastewater—including disinfection, sterilization, and online monitoring—demands both professional operation and adequate operational funding. Medical Wastewater Online Monitoring, for instance, requires investments in equipment such as online coliform analyzers, total residual chlorine analyzers, total phosphorus analyzers, and ammonia nitrogen monitors. Shortages of either skilled personnel or operational funds can disrupt system functionality.
While multiple challenges persist, China must prioritize the advancement of wastewater treatment technologies and the upgrading of related equipment in its future development, to align wastewater management with the goals of sustainable development.
