International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 02 | Feb 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Evaluating the Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Urban Domestic Liquid Waste Generation in Addis Ababa, Bulbula Treatment Plant, Ethiopia Menbere Asmarea, Lakachew Abitew a, Birhanu Girmaa, Wu Zhigenqb* aState Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering,
Tongji University, 200092, China
b*Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 200092, China
---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------the nation, its expanding population and urbanisation have Abstract – With an emphasis on condominiums in Bole Sub
put too much strain on the wastewater system. Significant issues with the environment and public health have resulted from this, especially in places like the Bulbula Treatment Plant. Uncontrolled production and inappropriate disposal of household liquid waste endanger ecosystems, contaminate water supplies, and raise the incidence of waterborne illnesses in local populations [3, 4]. Urbanization and population growth have placed immense pressure on existing wastewater infrastructure in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Bole Sub-City Condominiums generate significant domestic liquid waste, approximately 372.01 m³ daily. Households either connect to the city sewer system or use vehicles for onsite waste management. Condominium houses produce 50,715,335 liters of liquid waste daily (93.5 l/d/p). Only 24.8% of houses are sewer-connected, with 24,400 m³ of effluent entering the Kality treatment plant [5].
City, this study evaluated the production, disposal, and effects of domestic liquid waste (DLW) in Addis Ababa. The city's wastewater infrastructure was overburdened by the rapid urbanization and population increase; the Bulbula wastewater treatment facility was only using 23.67% of its 3,000 m³/day capacity. Only 24.8% of condominium homes had sewer connections, and every day, over 372.01 m³ of untreated or insufficiently treated DLW was released into the environment. Environmental testing showed that the Bulbula River's water quality has seriously deteriorated. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) values reached 90 mg/L, 50% above allowable limits, and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels of 200–250 mg/L above WHO requirements by up to 53.3%. Some samples had an E. coli concentration that was more than 12 times higher than what was considered tolerable, indicating serious contamination. Impacts on public health were noteworthy, with digestive and respiratory disorders being among the most common illnesses in the region. It was calculated that the annual cost of treating these illnesses was 6,973,750 ETB, or roughly 55,790 USD.The results emphasized the critical need for community awareness campaigns, regulatory enforcement, and infrastructural improvements to address DLW mismanagement and lessen its negative effects on the environment and human health.
This has led to the unchecked generation and improper disposal of domestic liquid waste (DLW), posing a severe environmental and public health threat [6]. Liquid waste generation in Addis Ababa is a major concern due to the lack of proper infrastructure and facilities for waste management [5]. The city's limited sewerage coverage system is unable to cope with the increasing volume of liquid waste generated by households, industries, and commercial establishments. As a result, a significant portion of the liquid waste ends up being discharged into open drains, rivers, and other water bodies, leading to environmental pollution and public health risks [7]. The improper disposal of DLW has far-reaching environmental consequences (FAO, 2012). Contaminated wastewater infiltrates the soil, introducing harmful chemicals and pathogens that can contaminate crops and pose health risks to consumers. Additionally, untreated wastewater entering water bodies leads to eutrophication, an excessive nutrient overload that depletes oxygen levels, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems [8].
Keywords: Domestic Liquid Waste (DLW), Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Impact, Public Health Risks.
1. INTRODUCTION Global population increase and urbanisation are causing waste management systems to face previously unheard-of difficulties, especially in emerging nations' cities. Domestic liquid waste (DLW) is a major problem for cities around the world. A large portion of this trash is left untreated, which has a negative impact on the environment and human health [1].The situation is particularly severe in sub-Saharan Africa since urban centres grow quickly, frequently surpassing the construction of suitable wastewater infrastructure. The effects of untreated liquid waste on land, aquatic bodies, and air quality are worsened by inadequate treatment facilities and legal frameworks [2].Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a prime example of this difficulty. Being the capital and biggest city in
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The consequences of unchecked DLW generation extend beyond environmental degradation, posing significant public health risks [9].Water pollution not only harms health but also increases medical costs, exacerbating urban poverty. Contaminated water serves as a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms, causing waterborne diseases like diarrhea,
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