A new paper published! Estimating the Ecological Performance of Water and Wastewater Treatment in Africa: A Meta-Analysis

Access to clean water and effective wastewater treatment systems is vital for sustainable development, economic growth, and human health. However, the effectiveness of these systems can vary widely, and it is essential to understand the environmental impact of different treatment methods.

Our recent study has systematically reviewed published life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on water and wastewater treatment in Africa. The study aimed to estimate the ecological performance of these treatment systems and identify factors that influence their impact. The Flow Chart of methods employed within this study is shown below. STARR LCA method was used to select articles from databases. In addition, data acquisition, data screening, and data analysis were also systematically done with the help of tools such as Rayyan, Covidence, and R software.

After applying search and selection criteria, the study included 32 observations for energy use, 20 for the global warming potential (GWP), and eutrophication potential (EP). The dependent variables were categorized by technical, method, and typology factors.

The meta-regression model aligned with the descriptive statistics on the variation of the dependent variables due to water source but not location. Regarding energy use, GWP, and EP, the water source and the study location had the most significant influence in contrast to the life cycle impact assessment method.

The results of the study suggest that the ecological performance of water and wastewater treatment systems in Africa can vary depending on the water source and location. The study highlights the need for more such LCA studies in Central and Western parts of Africa.

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the ecological performance of Africa's water and wastewater treatment systems. The findings could help inform policymakers and stakeholders about the need for more sustainable and effective treatment systems. Further research is necessary to mitigate pollution and promote healthy ecosystems in Africa.

Congratulation to Charles Ogbu and rest of the authors!

You can read more about the article HERE.