ABSTRACT
Domestic wastewater improperly discharged to freshwater and coastal environments presents a variety of concerns. The spreading of pathogens, suspended solids, nutrients and toxic substances not only threatens the ecosystem, but also adversely affects human health (UNEP/GPA, 1995). An estimated 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water; 2.4 billion live without adequate sanitation. Ensuring the provision of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are central priorities for sustainable development, captured by one of the eight Millennium Development Goals. By 2015, the proportion of people with no or limited access to safe drinking water must be halved. It is obvious that proper treatment of all domestic (and industrial) wastewater is a prerequisite to achieve or even approach this goal. Consequently, the European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEG) has obligated its member states to treat all urban wastewater since 2005, further, by 2015 all surface water should be of good quality (Directive 2000/60/EC).
