NAN-AE-1
Recycling
By Okon Okon
Abuja, March 27, 2017 (NAN) The Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMSON) has urged federal, state and local governments to exploit the opportunities in wastewater recycling to boost the country’s economy.
The Waste/Recycling Manager of the society, Miss Maryann Atseyinku, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
Cue in audio (Atseyinku)
“Wastewater is very important because as we know the amount of usable water in the world is actually very little or minute.
“So there’s a necessity for us to find ways to recycle wastewater for human use.
“So this will also further boost the economy because of the money that can be made from wastewater treatment.
“There has been advancement in technology on how we can do this; there are different technologies in the form of wastewater treatment plant.
“There are two forms – there’s low level one that doesn’t really require chemicals and then there is advanced wastewater treatment facilities.
“Depending on the budget, you can chose which one is usable.
“It’s really good that the UN is sharing the spotlight on this sector.
“So people worldwide – not just in developed countries, but also in developing countries – can identify what is needed and then find ways to actually treat the wastewater so that it can be useful.
“And then there are opportunities for the private sector to get involved.
“This will also further boost the economy.
Cue out audio
According to Atseyinku, wastewater is a huge resource with a lot of economic benefits if properly harnessed.
She said recycled wastewater could be used for food production due to the high nutrients of nitrogen and other organic matter that could be found in it.
Wastewater is any water that has been badly affected in quality by anthropogenic (relating to the influence of human activity on nature) demands.
Wastewater can originate from a combination of domestic, industrial, commercial or agricultural activities, surface runoff or storm water, and from sewer inflow or infiltration.
Recycled water is the process of converting wastewater into water that can be re-used for other purposes.
Re-use can include agricultural, landscape and field irrigation purposes or even replenishing surface water and groundwater, also referred to as groundwater re-charge.
Re-used water can meet residential needs (e.g. toilet flushing), commercial and industrial water needs, and in rare cases can even be used for drinking. (NAN)
MZM/LAB/YEE
Edited by Lydia Beshel/Emmanuel Yashim
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