Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy Production

Edited by

IWA Publishing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2166/9781789064100

Copyright:

ISBN electronic:

9781789064100

Publication date:

February 2025

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With 80% of wastewater globally discharged untreated and non-renewable energy resources rapidly depleting, the call for sustainable solutions has never been louder.

Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy Production explores the groundbreaking integration of natural systems and advanced technologies to address critical global challenges in wastewater management and renewable energy. This book delves into nature-based technological approaches such as constructed wetlands, bio-aided filtration systems, and photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation, showcasing their potential to transform wastewater into a valuable resource while significantly reducing the environmental footprint.

Rooted in innovative research, the book emphasizes advanced techniques for nutrient recovery, pollutant removal, and carbon capture. It examines the role of emerging technologies, such as high-rate algal ponds and hybrid treatment systems, in achieving cost-effective and energy-efficient wastewater treatment. Highlighting the science behind microalgae-based biodiesel production, the book also explores the potential of algae-derived bioproducts such as biofertilizers, bioplastics, and animal feed supplements, underscoring the role of these innovations in building a sustainable bioeconomy.

Rich in real-world applications, this reference work provides practical insights for academia, researchers, students, industry professionals, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. It addresses critical issues such as wastewater management, rising energy demands, and carbon footprint while demonstrating scalable solutions for global implementation.

Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy Production envisions a future where nature-inspired technologies lead to a thriving circular bioeconomy. By combining natural processes with advanced technologies, this book lays the roadmap for transforming environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities and fostering cleaner and more resilient planetary health.

ISBN: 9781789064094 (paperback)

ISBN: 9781789064100 (eBook)

ISBN: 9781789064117 (ePub)

Book Chapter

Chapter 2: Bio-aided water filtration: an approach to food processing by-product utilization

By

Nair Chithra Harinarayanan

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4143-545X

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;

Maya Raman

*

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4009-0322

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;

Amala Tony

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;

A. Aswathy

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Doi:

https://doi.org/10.2166/9781789064100_0007

Published:

February 2025

*Corresponding author: Dr. Maya Raman, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Ocean Science and Technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi. E-mail address: [email protected] (M. Raman)

Abstract

In the wake of industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, the scarcity of readily available freshwater resources has become a great concern and there is an urgent need for energy-efficient, cost-effective, and chemical-free water purification systems. The central treatment plants are considerably expensive and inefficient in certain cases; therefore, low-income countries prefer onsite filtration systems. Chemocoagulants such as aluminium sulphate and ferric chloride work well in water treatment, but they usually require long mining and processing of raw materials and expensive disposal of sludge; further, these may be toxic and could be associated with various health issues, and, thus, cannot be used indefinitely. Coagulation with natural coagulants is a sustainable alternative, which is readily available, economical, convenient, atoxic, less sludge generation, eco-friendly, and effective. In addition to removing contaminants, natural materials can also add nutrients to the water. Hence, these could be used as an alternative for water treatment assuring health security and sustainability. However, natural coagulants are still inadequately accepted; are not commercialized, and are widely applied throughout the world, despite their known benefits. In order to promote a circular economy, more intensive research is needed on natural coagulants to determine their mechanism of action, how they are adopted, and how they can be commercialized.

Bio-aided filtration, by-products, underutilized, valorizing

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Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy Production

Chapter 2: Bio-aided water filtration: an approach to food processing by-product utilization