Wastewater Recycling by Smart Technologies: Case Studies Around the World
摘要
The rise in the global population has led to a significant pressure on the natural resources, specifically on water. The continuously growing volume of wastewater poses a risk of depletion of portable water and also pollution of the existing water bodies, giving way to new diseases. Research to tackle such issues is also gaining momentum, and one such economically and environmentally viable solution is the Circular Economy. Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces pollution, creates jobs, saves energy, lowers emissions, decreases consumption of raw materials, and promotes sustainability. With the fourth industrial revolution, nations are adapting to smart water and data-driven recycling technologies such as Automation systems, Digital meters, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT)-based wastewater management systems, and many more. These techniques improve the quality and quantity of the wastewater and conserve the latent energy, nutrients, and water embedded within it. It encourages water reuse, thus reducing the pressure on natural resources. This chapter attempts to develop an overview of wastewater recycling and discusses exemplary innovative recycling technologies practiced worldwide. It can help professionals working in the environment and sustainability fields to improve policies and planning by serving as a reference.