Assessment of the effects of modernization of municipal wastewater treatment plants in Rawicz and Kościan

The increase in the standard of living and economic development of cities and smaller settlement units implies the extension and modernization of infrastructure, including wastewater collection and treatment systems, which is closely related to the protection of surface water and groundwater. This study analyzes the effects of the modernization of two wastewater treatment plants carried out between 2019 and 2020. These are the municipal wastewater treatment plants for Rawicz and Kościan in the Wielkopolska region. The analysis of contamination indicators and wastewater treatment efficiency showed that in both plants, the modernization and extension of wastewater treatment and sludge treatment technologies resulted in improved treated wastewater parameters and better sludge preparation for use. The high efficiency of contaminant removal (mostly above 94%) improves the standard of living, intensifies care for the environment, and increases the attractiveness of the agglomerations served by the analyzed plants. The obtained results were confirmed by statistical tests.