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Public perceptions of reusing treated wastewater for urban and industrial applications: challenges and opportunities

Author

Listed:
  • Mahad S. Baawain

    (Sultan Qaboos University)

  • Abdullah Al-Mamun

    (Sultan Qaboos University)

  • Hamid Omidvarborna

    (Sultan Qaboos University)

  • Amal Al-Sabti

    (Haya Water Company)

  • B. S. Choudri

    (Sultan Qaboos University)

Abstract

The growing water scarcity and quality deterioration promote the development of new water resources. Development of water treatment technologies has made water recycling and wastewater reuse a feasible solution to current limitations. However, water recycling plan and reuse has been halted repeatedly by the lack of public acceptance. This study focused on understanding public concerns and perceptions regarding treated wastewater reuse. The study also investigated how public perceptions might affect the current and future utilization of the resources in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. The public’s perceptions and opinions were achieved by conducting a questionnaire survey from 115 randomly selected residents with different backgrounds. The results indicated that the residents were positive to support any possible option that supported human health and the environment. The majority of the statistical society was optimistic about the reuse of the treated wastewater for irrigation purposes (except for non-edible crops), urban practices, recharge of groundwater, and industrial activities. Using as drinking water was the least preferred option according to the survey. The outcome of this survey study can be used to address the public concerns regarding wastewater-reuse practices. Additionally, this study hopes to support the effective management plans in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Mahad S. Baawain & Abdullah Al-Mamun & Hamid Omidvarborna & Amal Al-Sabti & B. S. Choudri, 2020. "Public perceptions of reusing treated wastewater for urban and industrial applications: challenges and opportunities," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1859-1871, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:22:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s10668-018-0266-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-018-0266-0
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Abubakar, Ismaila Rimi & Mu'azu, Nuhu Dalhat, 2022. "Household attitudes toward wastewater recycling in Saudi Arabia," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    2. Xia Li & Xun Li & Yang Li, 2022. "Research on reclaimed water from the past to the future: a review," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 112-137, January.
    3. Ria Ranjan Srivastava & Prabhat Kumar Singh, 2023. "Selection of factors affecting integrated municipal wastewater treatment and reuse network: an interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(9), pages 9137-9161, September.
    4. Margarida Figueiredo & Ana Fernandes & José Neves & Henrique Vicente, 2024. "Sustainable Water Use and Public Awareness in Portugal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-24, June.

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