From wastewater treatment to resource recovery: Environmental and economic impacts of implementation

Approximately 80% of wastewater is discharged into the environment without adequate treatment, leading to ecosystem destruction. Studies have examined the use of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to tackle poor wastewater management and provision of clean and hygienically safe water globally. However, WWTPs face significant challenges and are often ineffective at removing emerging contaminants. This study proposes an innovative and sustainable approach to the implementation of water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), marking a transformative shift in water management and sustainability. WRRFs emphasize recovering and reusing valuable resources from wastewater, aiming to extract and repurpose water, nutrients, and energy. The objectives of the chapter highlight the potential for WRRFs to integrate into the circular economy, offering a forward-thinking approach to building a more resilient and self-sustaining urban infrastructure. This transformation is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by population growth, climate change, and urbanization. It is hoped that policymakers and researchers will further consider the integration of WRRF concepts to enhance sustainability and resource efficiency.