Spatial Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Hospital Wastewater Treatment Plants Using GIS-Based Kernel Density Estimation and Buffer Analysis: Basrah Governorate
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Abstract
Higher Hospital wastewater (HWW) poses a significant and under-regulated environmental threat in developing regions. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of hospital wastewater treatment plant (HWWTs) in Basrah governorate, Iraq, using a spatially explicit approach to address the critical gap in site-specific environmental assessment. A geospatial database was developed for seven HWWTs, and their pollutant removal efficiencies were quantified. Performance variability was analyzed using Kernel density estimation (KDE) to identify pollution hotspots and multi-distance buffer analysis(500-1500m) was employed to assess environmental risk zones. Results indicated inconsistent treatment performance, with acceptable removal for organic load (BOD/COD) but critically low efficiency for nutrients particularly phosphate (PO43-), which ranged from 20.4% to 64.1%. the spatial analysis revealed district clusters of low-performing facilities, identifying specific hospitals as significant hotspots for effluent discharge. The buffer analysis confirmed a cumulative environmental risk, with potential impacts extending to the Shatt Al-Arab River, the region’s primary water source. The study concludes that the current treatment infrastructure is inadequate for the complex HWW matrix, especially concerning nutrient management. The finding validates GIS-Based spatial analysis as powerful evidence-based tool for environmental authorities to prioritize regulatory enforcement and implement site-specific management strategies in Basrah governorate.
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