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Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Its Interlinkages with the Sustainable Development Goals

Author

Listed:
  • Laila A. Al-Khatib

    (Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, P.O. Box 25, Ma’an 71111, Jordan)

  • Ahmad M. AlHanaktah

    (Laboratories and Quality Department, Aqaba Water Company, P.O. Box 252, Aqaba 77110, Jordan)

Abstract

In the face of acute water scarcity and sanitation challenges emblematic of arid and semi-arid regions (ASARs), this study investigated the transformative upgrade of the Aqaba Conventional Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plant (CAS-AWWTP) in Jordan. The project, expanding capacity to 40,000 m 3 /day, integrated sustainable features including renewable energy and repurposed natural treatment ponds functioning as artificial wetlands. The plant’s treatment performance, byproduct valorization, and alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs) were assessed. Comparative analysis revealed that the upgraded CAS-AWWTP consistently outperforms the previous natural and extended activated sludge systems. CAS-AWWTP average removal efficiencies of BOD 5 , COD, TSS, and T-N were 99.1%, 96.6%, 98.7%, and 95.1%, respectively, achieving stringent reuse standards and supplying approximately 30% of Aqaba Governorate’s annual water budget, thus conserving freshwater for domestic use. Furthermore, the plant achieved 44% electrical self-sufficiency through renewable energy integration, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The creation of artificial wetlands transformed the site into a vital ecological habitat, attracting over 270 bird species and becoming a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, drawing over 10,000 visitors annually. This transformation underscores the plant’s dual role in wastewater treatment and environmental conservation. The AWWTP upgrade exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainable development, impacting multiple SDGs. Beyond improving sanitation (SDG 6), it enhances water reuse for agriculture and industry (SDG 6.4, 9.4), promotes renewable energy (SDG 7), stimulates economic growth (SDG 8), strengthens urban sustainability (SDG 11), fosters resource efficiency (SDG 12), and supports biodiversity (SDG 14/15). The project’s success, facilitated by multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17), provides a replicable model for water-scarce regions seeking sustainable wastewater management solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Laila A. Al-Khatib & Ahmad M. AlHanaktah, 2025. "Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Its Interlinkages with the Sustainable Development Goals," Resources, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:62-:d:1630033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saad M. Alramthi & Gamila H. Ali & Atiah M. Elthagafi & Saad H. Eldosari & Bao-Ku Zhu & Hosam M. Safaa, 2022. "Oxidation Ditches for Recycling and Reusing Wastewater Are Critical for Long-Term Sustainability—A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Yongkui Yang & Longfei Wang & Feng Xiang & Lin Zhao & Zhi Qiao, 2020. "Activated Sludge Microbial Community and Treatment Performance of Wastewater Treatment Plants in Industrial and Municipal Zones," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Manzoor Qadir & Pay Drechsel & Blanca Jiménez Cisneros & Younggy Kim & Amit Pramanik & Praem Mehta & Oluwabusola Olaniyan, 2020. "Global and regional potential of wastewater as a water, nutrient and energy source," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 44(1), pages 40-51, February.
    4. Qadir, M. & Drechsel, Pay & Cisneros, B. J. & Kim, Y. & Pramanik, A. & Mehta, P. & Olaniyan, O., 2020. "Global and regional potential of wastewater as a water, nutrient and energy source," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 44(1):40-51.
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