Investigating wastewater management challenges in hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Science - Research

Authors

1 Department of Environmental Management, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 1. Department of Environmental Management, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.30473/grup.2025.74802.2937

Abstract

Hospital activities are considered one of the major sources of hazardous wastewater, which, if not properly managed, can pose a serious threat to public health and the environment. This study aimed to identify and analyze the challenges of wastewater management in hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, with an emphasis on the green hospital approach. A qualitative methodology was employed using semi-structured interviews with 14 experts in the field of hospital wastewater management, and the data were analyzed through content analysis. In addition, quantitative data on wastewater quality parameters—including chlorine, phosphate, ammonium, suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and nitrate—were collected and analyzed from multiple hospitals. The results revealed that pollution episodes were mostly intermittent, with the highest challenges related to elevated levels of suspended solids and low dissolved oxygen concentrations. Key contributing factors included outdated treatment equipment, managerial negligence, lack of staff training, and insufficient adoption of advanced technologies. This study highlights the urgent need to strengthen technical infrastructure, improve staff competencies, and implement green policies in hospitals to mitigate environmental risks associated with hospital effluents.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Urban Ecology Researches

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 December 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 09 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 16 December 2025

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