Search

• Wastewater treatment and reuse status in 48 Asian countries are analysed. • GDP and water stress are identified as the two main influential factors. • Wastewater treatment and reuse potentials are evaluated by regression models. • The Asian countries are classified into 4 categories based on development indexes. • Three development routes for water reuse in 48 Asian countries are identified. In recent years, the conflict between water supply and demand has increased. Using reclaimed water is an effective way to alleviate water resource shortages, prevent pollution of the water environment, and promote the sustainable development of the economy and society. Some countries and regions in Asia have implemented effective reclaimed water use practices. However, on the whole, wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use are not well developed in most Asian countries and regions. This paper identified GDP per capita and water stress as the key factors affecting wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use in Asia. Based on these factors, a development potential estimation model for wastewater treatment and reuse was established using logistic regression analyses. According to the current development status and future development potential of wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use, 48 selected Asian countries are classified into four categories using the model: high potential and high development, high potential and low development, low potential and high development, and low potential and low development. Based on the characteristics of the four classifications, development routes and measures for wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use were proposed. This study provides important information for the development planning of wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use in Asian countries, and can help in systematically promoting and improving the level of sustainable water management. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Asia is the most populous continent in the world, the contradiction between water supply and demand is increasing. Wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use are important means to solve the contradiction between supply and demand and realize the sustainability of the water management system. Based on the data collected from 48 typical countries and regions in Asia, this study evaluates the possible influential factors on wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level, water resource availability, water withdrawn and water stress. It is identified that per capita GDP and water stress are important factors affecting wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use. Although reclaimed water use in most Asian countries is still at the early stage, the development of wastewater treatment is conducive to the development of reclaimed water. The results of this study are believed to be useful in improving water management and sustainability levels in Asian countries. Image 1 • Summarized the status of wastewater treatment and reuse in Asian countries. • Analyzed the influencing factors on wastewater treatment and reuse development. • Identified that GDP and water stress are the two main influencing factors. • Proposed suggestions for water treatment and reuse development at regional levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]