Speakers call for water recycling systems

ISLAMABAD: To overcome the serious issue of scarcity of water resources in the country, it is necessary to establish autonomous and decentralized water recycling systems in which diverse water resources are created, conserved and utilized effectively.

This was the crux of a two-day International Workshop on Technological Advances and Challenges in Water Reclamation and Reuse concluded here at School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) today.

The speakers observed that pollution and scarcity of water resources are becoming more serious concerns than ever in the wake of rapid urbanization and industrialization.

To increase sustainability, water must be used efficiently and multiple times by cascading from higher to lower quality needs.

Renowned scientist Dr Samar Mubarakmand graced the occasion as the chief guest during the inaugural session of the workshop.

Addressing the gathering, he said that the population growth rate in Pakistan is very high, which has direct impact on the water sector for meeting the domestic, industrial and agricultural needs.

He said that industrial and domestic water occupying the major portion of total water demand could be provided by high grade reclaimed wastewater using advanced technology. It is essential, he maintained, that reclaimed water satisfies physical, chemical and microbiological quality relative to reuse type.

Earlier, Rector NUST in his remarks said that Pakistan is rapidly depleting its available water resources and is on the verge of becoming a water-scarce country.

Untreated wastewaters from various industrial and domestic sources are not only contaminating open water bodies and groundwater resources but also reducing the water availability. He added that it is imperative that we improve efficiency in meeting the challenges regarding water reclamation and its reuse.

Key resource person Prof. Roger Ben Aim, in his speech, was of the view that membrane processes are regarded as a positive advancement in wastewater treatment ensuring increased water reclamation and reuse.

The main advantages of this technology are no chemical requirement, relatively low energy consumption and a lower footprint. Although its use has been increased in the recent past there is, however, a need to enhance the level of knowledge and expertise pertaining to the technology.

Among other prominent speakers were Professor C.Visvanathan, Dr Parneet Paul, Dr Nick Hankins and Dr Sher Jamal Khan, Dr Zahir-ud-Din Khan and Dr Imran Hashmi. Eminent scholars from within and outside the country attended the event.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011