Wastewater treatment and reuse situations and influential factors in major Asian countries

As Asia is the most populous continent in the world, the contradiction between water supply and demand is increasing. Wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use are important means to solve the contradiction between supply and demand and realize the sustainability of the water management system. Based on the data collected from 48 typical countries and regions in Asia, this study evaluates the possible influential factors on wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level, water resource availability, water withdrawn and water stress. It is identified that per capita GDP and water stress are important factors affecting wastewater treatment and reclaimed water use. Although reclaimed water use in most Asian countries is still at the early stage, the development of wastewater treatment is conducive to the development of reclaimed water. The results of this study are believed to be useful in improving water management and sustainability levels in Asian countries. [Display omitted] •Summarized the status of wastewater treatment and reuse in Asian countries.•Analyzed the influencing factors on wastewater treatment and reuse development.•Identified that GDP and water stress are the two main influencing factors.•Proposed suggestions for water treatment and reuse development at regional levels.