The Situation of Wastewater Treatment System in Hospital, Regional Health 8

Abstract

Abstract

           This study investigated the Situation of Wastewater Treatment System in Hospital, Health Region 8. A survey research design was employed with three objectives: (1) to examine the status and conditions of hospital wastewater treatment systems, (2) to assess the relationship between hospital types and the capacity of wastewater treatment systems, and (3) to examine the relationship between hospital types and effluent quality. A purposive sampling method was applied to 88 hospitals, and data were collected via questionnaires from July to August 2024. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and group comparisons, were used for data analysis.

           Results showed that 66 hospitals responded within the study period. The majority of respondents were male (54.54%), aged 31–41 years (33.33%), held a bachelor’s degree (95.45%), and were government officers (71.21%). The main wastewater treatment systems were Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) systems (50.00%), with an average system age of 25 years. Most hospitals, including regional and general hospitals (levels A, S, and M1), had insufficient treatment capacity, and some large community hospitals (M2) also faced capacity issues. Hospital type was significantly associated with system capacity problems (p < .05). Regarding effluent quality, noncompliance with wastewater standards was observed across all hospital types, with total solids and total dissolved solids (TDS) being the most prevalent issues. Hospital type was significantly related to effluent quality problems (p < .05), while no issues were found regarding system operators.

           Regarding policy and management, 15 out of 24 hospitals with identified problems (62.50%) had included wastewater system improvement in investment plans for fiscal year 2026–2027, totaling 349,546,900 THB. This reflects administrative recognition of the importance of enhancing treatment efficiency to manage wastewater effectively and support hospital service capacity.

           In conclusion, the study highlights key challenges in wastewater treatment capacity and compliance with effluent standards in Health Region 8 hospitals, emphasizing the need for systematic policy implementation and sustained investment to ensure environmental compliance and public health protection.