China's wastewater discharge standards in urbanization: evolution, challenges and implications
Wen-Wei Li1, Guo-Ping Sheng, Raymond J Zeng
1Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
Summary
China has improved its wastewater discharge standards significantly, but challenges remain. Future efforts aim for stricter regulations and a cleaner water environment, offering lessons for global pollution control.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Policy
- Water Resource Management
- Industrial Ecology
Background:
- China faces escalating water pollution due to rapid urbanization and industrialization.
- Existing wastewater discharge standards struggle to keep pace with environmental challenges and technological advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize China's achievements and challenges in water pollution control.
- To provide a basis for future improvements in China's water management.
- To offer a reference for international water pollution control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of statistical data on population, wastewater discharge, and standards over four decades.
- Detailed examination of control indexes and items in wastewater discharge standards.
- Comparative analysis of China's standards against those of the USA and EU.
Main Results:
- Overview of the historical development, current challenges, and future outlook of China's wastewater discharge standards.
- Identification of barriers and ongoing initiatives in standards formulation and implementation.
- Presentation of suggestions for future advancements in water pollution control.
Conclusions:
- China's wastewater discharge standard system shows considerable progress but retains defects and limitations.
- Significant efforts are in progress to overcome these challenges.
- Expectation of more stringent standards and improved water quality in China.
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