Resources

Approximately 15% of the Caribbean’s coral reefs are currently threatened by marine sources of pollution such as wastewater discharge from ships. Sewage runoff causes serious damage to coral reefs because it stimulates the growth of aquatic plants and algae which threatens marine life.

Numerous technologies are available for the treatment of wastewater. Many systems have been constructed and successfully operated ranging from simple on-site systems to sophisticated large-scale systems with computer operational control. In evaluating the technologies for application in a particular situation many factors have to be considered.

Appropriate Technology for Sewage Pollution Control in the Wider Caribbean Region. This report is part of an effort to assist the Governments in developing the annex on domestic wastewater. The purpose of the annex is to identify the most appropriate wastewater treatment technologies and water quality standards for the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR).