Waste Stabilization Ponds in Latin America

Download or read book Waste Stabilization Ponds in Latin America written by Miguel R. Pena and published by IWA Publishing (International Water Assoc). This book was released on 2002-05-31 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Waste stabilization ponds and related natural wastewater treatment technologies are now widely seen as practical options to solve water quality problems. These systems can also contribute to tackling growing water shortages by enabling significant water reuse (and often nutrient recovery). These benefits are particularly relevant in regions such as Latin America which are facing continuous change in policy and regulation affecting water, sanitation and environmental management, yet are also characterised by a low public service coverage, particularly in low-income urban communities and rural settlements. Thus Latin American countries are at the forefront of the worldwide trend to the use of pond treatment systems. Countries such as Brazil, Cuba and Peru have considerable experience in pond technology, while countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela are implementing new systems. To understand the developments taking place the 1st IWA Regional Conference was held, bringing together scientists, engineers and professionals from several disciplines. From the papers presented 17, from across Latin America and beyond, have been selected for these proceedings that summarise the latest advances in ponding technology.