INDECS, Vol. 23 No. 3, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.7906/indecs.23.3.6
Improving Reclaimed Wastewater Quality in Jordan using the Six Sigma Approach
Lara M. Ismail
orcid.org/0009-0001-8747-1731
; University of Szeged, Department of Economic and Social Geography, Szeged, Hungary
*
Zoltán Kovács
orcid.org/0000-0003-2697-4682
; Geographical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study analyzed the high rates of (out of specification) samples observed in Jordan and proposed solutions and monitoring practices for sustainable wastewater treatment using the DMAIC methodology, one of the Six Sigma tools. Across its five phases – Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control – the analysis yielded key findings on addressing high “out-of-specification” samples in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using data from 2016 to 2018. The research revealed that private WWTPs and linked industries exhibited growing non-compliance, while public WWTPs improved over time. Using the fishbone diagram, root causes were identified in five main areas such as outdated equipment, inadequate staff training, inconsistent monitoring, and weak oversight. In the IMPROVE phase, solutions such as enhancing training, monitoring, introducing penalties and incentives were identified and prioritized using an impact-effort matrix, as well as long-term actions such as upgrading treatment technologies were suggested. The CONTROL phase established comprehensive monitoring, real-time adjustments, and periodic audits. This study provides a framework for addressing wastewater quality in Jordan, ensuring long-term regulatory compliance and environmental improvement.
Keywords
Wastewater; wastewater treatment; reclaimed water; six sigma; DMAIC
Hrčak ID:
332935
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2025.
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