Summary

Wastewater management in developing countries throughout the world is in a state of crisis. It is estimated that 2.6 billion people worldwide live without adequate sanitation. Resources are scarce, previous management systems have failed, and traditional techniques and solutions are not immediate enough, too expensive, or simply inefficient. This book investigates the complex political, economic, and cultural reasons that so many developing nations lack the ability to provide proper and effective wastewater treatment for their citizens.

The authors draw upon their experiences in Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries to inspire innovation and improvement in wastewater treatment and management. They examine the failures of traditional planning, design, and implementation, and offer localized solutions that will yield effective sustainable management systems. These solutions include reuse of treated wastewater, energy conservation, and proper financial and organizational set up.

Sustainable Wastewater Management in Developing Countries will urge practitioners, decision makers, and researchers to approach these systems in new ways that are practical, innovative, and--best of all--sustainable.

About the Authors
Carsten Holl nder Laugesen has assisted with more than 80 projects in 16 countries, primarily in Southeast Asia. He recently worked for the Danish engineering firm COWI as project manager and chief technical advisor for a wastewater treatment plant at Koh Phi Phi, Thailand. He is currently undertaking a research project for the World Bank.

Ole Fryd holds a master's degree from Aalborg University, Denmark. He is trained as an architect and urban planner. He works as a researcher in integrated water management and urban development at the Danish Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning (Forest & Landscape Denmark).

Thammarat Koottatep is an assistant professor of environmental engineering and management at the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand.

Hans Brix is a professor in plant ecophysiology at Aarhus University, Denmark.