Overview
The Guangdong wastewater treatment plant serves Shunde District, Foshan, China, with a population equivalent of 160,000. It operates under China's national wastewater discharge standards, discharging into the Pearl River Delta watershed.
The Guangdong wastewater treatment plant is located in Shunde District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. It serves a population equivalent of 160,000, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under Chinese urban wastewater management frameworks. The plant's designed capacity is 1. As a facility in China, the plant is subject to the national Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (GB 18918-2002), which sets effluent limits for conventional pollutants, nutrients, and pathogens. For agglomerations of this scale, secondary treatment with nutrient removal is typically required, especially in sensitive watersheds. The plant's compliance is overseen by local environmental protection bureaus. The plant discharges into the Pearl River Delta, one of China's most densely populated and economically vital regions. The receiving waters ultimately flow into the South China Sea. The delta supports extensive aquaculture, agriculture, and urban water supply, making effective wastewater treatment critical for protecting downstream ecosystems and public health.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent enters the Pearl River Delta, a complex network of rivers and estuaries that drains into the South China Sea. This region is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a critical migratory corridor for fish and birds. Nutrient loading from urban and industrial sources poses a risk of eutrophication in coastal waters, underscoring the importance of advanced treatment to maintain water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Shunde District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China, near the Pearl River Delta.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 160,000, making it a medium-to-large agglomeration.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Pearl River Delta, which flows into the South China Sea.
The plant operates under China's national discharge standard GB 18918-2002, which sets limits for pollutants like COD, BOD, ammonia, and phosphorus. Local environmental bureaus enforce compliance.
For agglomerations of this scale, secondary treatment with biological nutrient removal is standard, often including activated sludge processes and disinfection to meet Class 1A or 1B effluent standards.
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