Abstract: The experiment described in this paper compared the effects of two systems for labeling recycled water on potential consumers' intention to use this resource; the current identifying symbol used worldwide (purple color for pipes, containers, and tanks) and a new, empirically derived and validated set of symbols that provide specific information on water quality and positive comparative information. In total, 807 face-to-face surveys were carried out. Subjects were asked to rate their intentions for using different qualities of recycled water for commercial agriculture as well as for using products and facilities irrigated with recycled water, either in the presence of the established symbol or the new, empirically derived symbols. Potential consumers' self-reported intentions to use recycled water were reliably higher in the presence of empirically derived symbols with positive comparative information than in the presence of the conventional identification symbol. This program of research provides a model for the application of principles of behavioral psychology to enhance the consumer acceptance of technological advances that preserve natural resources and protect ecosystems.
Abstract: Wastewater treatment facilities in tourist areas, in comparison to other municipal facilities, require specific configurations and additional management actions in order to achieve a reliable and cost-effective treatment. For example, the same facility operates during winter with minimum flows and in summer with peak flows. Moreover, careful effluent management is required to minimize environmental impact and health effects on tourists. In this study, effluent management data, including quantitative and qualitative effluent characteristics, reuse, and economic aspects of the Hersonissos Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) in Greece, are discussed. It has been designed to treat both municipal wastewater from the Hersonissos Municipality and septage from the wider area. Analysis of effluent quantitative data showed two flow peaks in the summer period and only one in winter. The WTP was found to provide a reliable level of treatment in terms of biochemical oxygen demand (95.9%), total suspended solids (97.2%), and total nitrogen (87.7%) removal, but increased numbers of fecal coliforms were measured at some peak flow periods, suggesting the need for additional management strategies. Effluent is reused mainly for agricultural irrigation; secondary uses include fire protection and landscape irrigation. Economic analysis showed that for each cubic meter treated, the total annual economic cost for treatment, filtration, and reuse infrastructure was 1.07 euro, 0.05 euro, and 0.08 euro, respectively.
Abstract: Technologies to treat wastewater are now well established and are capable of producing almost any degree of purification. The main issue surrounding the selection of a given process lies in deciding which is the most appropriate and applicable technology for the particular social, political and economic environment. This paper concentrates on the development of the municipal wastewater treatment sector in Greece. It examines the deficiencies and problems arising from the implementation of wastewater management policies and makes a number of suggestions and recommendations. The areas considered include, among others, historical development, economic development and pollution control, key issues for wastewater treatment policies and lessons applicable to developing countries. It is hoped that this study will be a valuable source of information for countries embarking on nationwide sanitation projects.
