A Review of Rural Wastewater Pollution Control in China

Main Article Content

Wenxi Sun

Keywords

rural wastewater, pollution control, rural water environment, decentralized treatment, resource recovery

Abstract

Against the backdrop of rural revitalization, wastewater pollution in rural China has become a key issue restricting sustainable rural development. Rural wastewater sources are diverse and dispersed. It has triggered a series of problems, including the deterioration of the aquatic environment and agricultural non-point source pollution. To address these issues, China has developed an integrated governance technology system and implemented a governance model that combines decentralized and centralized approaches. However, it continues to face practical challenges regarding funding, operations and maintenance, regulation, and public participation. Therefore, this article will systematically review the main sources, emission characteristics, and current status of wastewater pollution in rural China. Summarize the practical effectiveness of mainstream governance technologies and application models. Conduct an in-depth analysis of the core constraints across the entire governance process. Based on typical cases from Jiangxia District in Wuhan, the entire province of Anhui, and Heyang County in Shaanxi This paper proposes optimization pathways from five dimensions: policy support, diversified financing, technological adaptation, regulatory implementation, and resource utilization. This paper proposes optimization pathways from five dimensions: policy support, diversified financing, technological adaptation, regulatory implementation, and resource utilization. The aim is to provide theoretical references and practical support for the transition of rural wastewater treatment—from periodic, concentrated remediation to a normalized, long-term, and sustainable mode of development—thereby contributing to China's realization of its goals for rural ecological revitalization.

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