Strengthening wastewater treatment capacity, adopting improved technologies, and enhancing surveillance are critical investments for protecting public health, preventing infections, and safeguarding the environment, an American scholar has said.
Ms. Emilia Maria Emerson, a PhD scholar in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), USA, told Himalaya Times in an interview that hospital wastewater contains high-risk pathogens and hazardous chemicals compared to municipal wastewater, making advanced and well-maintained treatment systems essential.
Actively involved in wastewater-related research projects, she said, “Poorly treated wastewater affects surrounding communities and also poses public health and environmental concerns. As someone who works in this field, I can say for a fact that it is imperative for every individual to have access to clean water.”
Here are excerpts from the interview:
What is hospital wastewater, and how is it different from regular municipal wastewater?
Hospital wastewater is wastewater discharged from all hospital activities. It contains a high concentration of pathogens, chemicals, pharmaceutical waste, and other substances. As this waste originates from laboratories and highly sensitive wards—such as oncology wards and radiology rooms—it differs significantly from municipal wastewater. Municipal wastewater primarily comes from bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries, whereas hospital wastewater may contain various potentially hazardous components, including chemical compounds, heavy metals, and disinfectants.
What happens to hospital wastewater after it leaves the hospital?
What happens to wastewater after it leaves a hospital varies by hospital, country, and region, as disposal systems differ widely. However, it is generally treated to make it safe before being released back into the environment.
How effective are current treatment methods in removing pathogens and drug residues?
After visiting the Dhulikhel Hospital’s wastewater treatment plant, I observed that the treatment process is effective but is largely passive. Based on this observation, I assume that most hospitals in the country use similar treatment systems, which typically involve sedimentation of solid waste followed by anaerobic treatment. While the current treatment methods are effective to some extent, their efficacy can be improved by incorporating additional treatment steps.
How does hospital wastewater relate to infection prevention and control?
Hospital wastewater contains a higher concentration of pathogens and hazardous chemicals. If untreated wastewater is discharged into the environment, it can directly affect human health. Therefore, effective hospital wastewater treatment is closely linked to infection prevention and control.
What challenges do hospitals face in meeting wastewater regulations in Nepal?
The engineers and scientists working in this area are competent. However, the treatment plant capacity is not optimal and requires upgrading. Additionally, the systems need regular maintenance.
What advice would you give hospitals looking to improve their wastewater practices?
To improve practices, additional treatment steps—such as ultraviolet (UV) disinfection—could be introduced. Adopting aerobic treatment systems has also shown better results compared to anaerobic systems, which operate at a much slower pace. Furthermore, enhancing pathogen surveillance would be highly beneficial, as it ensures sample integrity and leads to greater accountability.
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