Preface

Over the past half-century, the world has experienced a significant economic boom and rapid urbanization, resulting in the uplifting of millions of individuals from poverty. Nevertheless, this progress has come at the cost of escalating resource consumption and environmental decline. The connection between resource utilization and environmental effects is undeniable. This is mainly due to the linear utilization of resources, which results in environmental consequences at every stage, culminating in various forms of waste.

Sewage management refers to the collection, treatment, and disposal of the millions of gallons of wastewater generated every day by households, industries, institutions, commercial establishments and public facilities. This critical aspect of modern society is often overlooked or taken for granted. Sewage is a complex mixture of macro and micropollutants, as well as pollutants from municipal solid waste and industrial wastewater. The first step in sewage management is the collection of wastewater through a system of pipes, pumps, and storage tanks. The collected wastewater is then transported to a treatment plant where it undergoes various processes such as screening, sedimentation, and biological treatment to remove solids, organic matter, and other pollutants. After treatment, the wastewater may be discharged into a water body, such as a river or ocean, or reused for irrigation, industrial processes, or other non-potable uses. Poorly managed sewage can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, contamination of groundwater and surface water, and ecological damage to aquatic ecosystems. Effective sewage management requires a comprehensive approach that considers a range of factors such as technical feasibility, social acceptability, and economic viability. By adopting innovative and sustainable approaches, we can promote resource recovery and reuse, protect public health and the environment, and create a more sustainable future.

This book on sewage management aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of this complex topic, drawing on knowledge from engineering, economics, and management. It covers the basics of wastewater treatment and disposal, the technologies and processes involved in sewage treatment, and the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern sewage management. The book also looks at the emerging trends and challenges facing sewage management, such as climate change, population growth, and urbanization. It includes case studies of successful sewage management practices from around the world, highlighting best practices and innovative solutions. There has recently been an increasing focus on sustainable and innovative sewage management approaches that promote resource recovery and reuse. For example, some sewage treatment plants now use anaerobic digestion to convert organic matter in wastewater into biogas, which can be used to generate electricity or heat. The treated wastewater can also be used for irrigation, aquaculture, or other non-potable uses.

The goal of this book is to educate and inform professionals, policymakers, students, and the general public about the importance of sewage management and the various

strategies and technologies available to manage sewage effectively. It is the editor's hope that this book will serve as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to better understand this critical topic. The editor expresses sincere thanks to the authors for their contributions.

> **Başak Kılıç Taşeli** Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
