Waste Water as a Resource: Shifting Paradigms Towards Resource Recovery
摘要
With the increasing global population, particularly in urban areas, there is continuous pressure on natural water sources to meet rising demands. These sources are shrinking yearly due to global warming and erratic rainfall patterns, leading to physical water scarcity. Therefore, exploring new options for a sustainable water supply is crucial. Wastewater treatment presents a viable solution. Cities generate large volumes of wastewater from various household and industrial activities. As urban populations grow, the volume of wastewater increases, posing significant health risks. Many countries have been establishing wastewater treatment plants to repurpose treated water for various uses to address this. However, only a small percentage of wastewater is currently treated, with a larger portion remaining untreated and unused. Emerging paradigms now focus on resource recovery from wastewater, such as extracting nutrients, energy, and materials (metals or organic compounds) for industrial reuse. This shift in perspective transforms wastewater from being a burden into a valuable resource, contributing to sustainable water management. It also reduces economic expenses and alleviates pressure on other resources. While the processes involved in resource recovery are complex, they are achievable. In this chapter, we discuss the various types of resources that can be recovered from wastewater, the methodologies developed over time, the challenges faced, and potential solutions to overcome these challenges. The chapter also emphasizes the need for global policy frameworks to achieve the common goal of the safe and productive use of these resources.