SURVEY OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND EFFLUENT QUALITY IN RURAL HOSPITALS IN SAKON NAKHON PROVINCE, THAILAND

Evaluation of the conditions and quality of wastewater treatment in hospitals are important factors in determining suitable wastewater management for hospitals. The objectives of this study were to study the situation and basic information of 16 rural hospitals in Sakon Nakhon province, Thailand. Information was collected using a survey and questionnaire related to wastewater treatment. The results showed that the flow rate of wastewater from hospitals and associated residences was dependent on the size of the hospital and the numbers of staff and serviced patients. Average flow rates in hospitals with 30.0 beds, 60.0-90.0 beds, and 120.0 beds or more were 37.9, 83.1, and 188.8 m 3 /day. In some hospitals, the size of the wastewater treatment system was not related to the actual rate of wastewater and had been over-designed, resulting in reduced performance. Problems with drainage and the water collection system included broken pipes and greater than designed flows of rainwater into the wastewater. The operating cost depended on the amount of electricity used for wastewater treatment and the chemicals used for disinfection.