Wastewater and sludge valorisation: a novel approach for treatment and resource recovery to achieve circular economy concept

Abstract

Global demand for freshwater is rapidly escalating. It is highly essential to keep pace with the necessities of the increasing population. The effluents of wastewater are gradually identified as a reservoir of resources for energy generation and economic boom. Henceforth, most wastewater and sludge have great potential for reuse and recycling. The re-utilization and valorization of wastewater and sludge contribute to accomplishing sustainable development goals, combating water scarcity, and alleviating adverse environmental impacts of wastewater on the environmental components. The present article highlights the most novel approaches for wastewater treatment for the waste valorization of different industrial origins and the generation of value-added products and recovery of biopolymers, vitamins, enzymes, dyes, pigments, and phenolic compounds. We highlighted the life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis. In addition, we have addressed a critical overview of the barriers to the large-scale application of resource recovery strategies and economic, environmental, and social concerns associated with using waste-derived products.

An Overview of the Thermochemical Valorization of Sewage Sludge: Principles and Current Challenges

“…However, despite the growing interest in thermochemical valorization, numerous challenges persist. The physicochemical properties of sewage sludge vary widely, complicating the development and implementation of thermochemical conversion technologies [8,9]. The physicochemical properties of sewage sludge, including moisture content, organic content, ash content, elemental composition, heating value, and the presence of contaminants, exhibit significant variability, thereby complicating the development and implementation of thermochemical conversion technologies [10,11].…”

Nanofiltration Membranes for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solutions: Preparations and Applications

“…Freshwater scarcity is a catastrophe in arid and semiarid areas that affects social and economic development [ 1 ]. The release of wastes and effluents into the environment has many effects such as leaching, eutrophication, pathogen spreading, and escalation of waterborne diseases [ 2 , 3 ]. In developing countries, most wastewater discharge without proper treatment leads to groundwater contamination and a limited clean water supply.…”

Fly Ash-Based Na-X Zeolite Application in Separation Process of Bovine Serum Albumin from Aqueous Solution in the Presence of Organic Substances with Anionic Character

“…On the other hand, SDS is a surfactant largely used as a detergent and degreaser in many industrial processes [ 10 , 11 ]. Thus, their removal or recovery from wastewater is extremely important [ 12 ].…”