Monitoring Green Transformation in Organized Industrial Zones: A Case Study of Adana Hacı Sabancı OIZ Wastewater Treatment Project

Policies for green transformation, designed to mitigate the environmental consequences of industrialization, have become a strategic necessity for Organized Industrial Zones (OIZs). This research examines the crucial role of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in facilitating such transformation, particularly through alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6 and 9). The case study focuses on the Adana Hacı Sabancı Organized Industrial Zone (AOIZ) in Turkey, where a World Bank-funded initiative doubled the plant’s capacity from 20,000 m³/day to 40,000 m³/day, integrating advanced biological nutrient removal units and SCADA-based real-time monitoring systems. Post-renovation assessments revealed that the removal efficiencies of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD₅) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) improved from 85% and 78% to over 95% and 90%, respectively. Specific energy consumption decreased by 23%, and treated wastewater reuse increased by 30%, enabling water recycling for agricultural and industrial use. These metrics were benchmarked against national regulations and EU Best Available Techniques (BAT-AELs), demonstrating strong compliance and performance. This study synthesizes international comparative literature from China, Vietnam, and Jordan to provide a contextualized understanding of the findings. It evaluates the project using key performance indicators (KPIs), including energy efficiency (kWh/m³), sludge generation (kg/m³), and microplastic concentration (particles/L). The results confirm that modernized WWTPs play a central role in achieving environmentally sustainable industrial growth. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations on integrating the circular economy, performance-based monitoring, and scalable green transformation models for policymakers and OIZ managers in emerging economies.