Development application of rural domestic sewage treatment project in cold areas of Northeast China: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Rural domestic sewage (RDS) has emerged as a primary threat to the rural environment and a significant factor hindering global sustainable development. This review delved into the ongoing research progress regarding the current situation, problems, treatment technologies and evaluation methods of RDS in the cold areas of Northeast China, and the relevant engineering cases were analyzed. The results showed that, (1) the lack of professional experience and maintenance is the main problem of RDS treatment facilities in cold areas; (2) the combined biological-ecological process is considered to be the most effective process for RDS treatment in cold areas; (3) economic costs emerges as a pivotal index for establishing the RDS evaluation system in cold areas; (4) electrochemical and source separation technology have significant prospects for RDS treatment in cold areas. This review contributes to fostering a comprehensive understanding of the current problems, the applicability of technologies, and the focus on the selection of evaluation indicators of RDS in cold areas. Moreover, it aims to illuminate the path for refining and advancing sewage treatment technologies in similar regions across the globe.