ABSTRACT
Decentralized wastewater management systems (DWMS) are aimed to provide accessible treatment services and include wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse or disposal methods. DWMS are mainly used in hilly rural areas, either in single or cluster residences; industrial, business, or institutional facilities; and communities where the usual centralized system cannot be installed due to physical or technical issues (e.g., topography or accessibility to a pumping station network). A DWMS significantly reduces negative environmental impact by eliminating contaminants and increasing economic, environmental, and social community sustainability. The advantages of a DWMS include providing water quality and availability; favoring the cost-effectiveness and economy of remote communities through affordable installation, operation, and maintenance costs; and minimizing the impact on health risks, among others. Conversely, DWMS drawbacks include the lack of a regulatory framework, needing specific technical skills and resources for effective management, and population risk from antibiotic-resistance gene exposure.
