Novel technologies for WWTP optimization in footprint, nutrients valorization, and energy consumption

Abstract

The continuous development of the human society causes stress to natural systems: pollution increase, deforestation, global resource depletion, etc. Water resource contamination and water scarcity are among the major challenges to be confronted by humanity in the 21st century. Present wastewater treatment technologies were developed between the end of the 19th century and during 20th century. Technology evolved from simple aqueduct sewerages that dumped in waterways without treatment to a complete treatment; including physical, chemical and biological treatments, aimed to remove solids, organic matter and main nutrients. Nowadays, novel concepts are taken into account in order to face up to new environmental, economic and social limitations. At the same time, these new concepts have to deal with aspects like the population growth, the global climate change, the water scarcity, etc.