CHARACTERIZING NET POSITIVE WATER IMPACT THROUGH LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT: AN INDEX-BASED APPROACH FOR EVALUATING WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

Abstract

The discharge of domestic wastewater into water bodies typically undergoes a natural self-purification process. However, the rapid increase in population and large-scale urbanization has resulted in a surge in domestic sewage discharge that exceeds the assimilative capacity of waterbodies1. This excess discharge of nutrients into nearby water bodies leads to eutrophication and a decline in ambient water quality, which could ultimately result in water stress due to mismanagement of shared water resources, making it imperative for governments to secure the basic water needs of the population. Such conditions lead to an overall economic slowdown which leads to further climate inaction. Furthermore, the overall economic slowdown that results from water stress and mismanagement of shared water resources can further lead to climate inaction. De-prioritizing long-term environmental issues can birth a vicious cycle where water stress exacerbates climate change, which in turn makes water stress worse, and so on. The interplay of water resource allocation, economic growth, and climate action constitutes a complex and dynamic system with far-reaching implications for global sustainability. It becomes imperative for governments, businesses, and corporations to look into the green2, blue3, and grey water footprints4 of their products, and services, as well as implement solutions of reuse to go beyond the balance or net-zero approach to facilitate sustainable development goals.