Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy ProductionOpen Access
An accessible ePub edition is available here
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)
Chapter 5: Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) for wastewater treatment and resource recovery: a sustainable approach Open Access
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Published:February 2025
Bhavesh Choudhary, Suparna Deb, Nayan Chouhan, Sangeetha Azmeera, Vinayaka Choudhary, 2025. "Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) for wastewater treatment and resource recovery: a sustainable approach", Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy Production, Imran Ahmad, Norhayati Abdullah
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Abstract
IMTA stands for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, which is an innovative approach to aquaculture that aims to optimize and minimize resource utilization and also minimize environmental impacts. Although IMTA is not specifically designed for wastewater treatment and resource recovery, it can be applied in such contexts to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of these processes. In traditional wastewater treatment systems, the focus is primarily on removing pollutants and treating wastewater to meet regulatory standards of effluent. However, IMTA has more holistic approaches to create more sustainable and efficient ecosystems. In IMTA wastewater treatment systems, the principle involves utilizing different organisms in a cascading trophic structure to maximize resource utilization and minimize waste. Wastewater treatment is carried out via primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary systems. In secondary treatment systems, filter-feeder organisms are mostly cultured, whereas in tertiary treatment systems macro algae, shellfishes, and seaweeds can be cultivated as water contains excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous and thus reduces the chances of eutrophication and water pollution. The harvested shellfish and macro algae can be used as valuable resources, shellfish sold for human consumption, whereas macro algae can be processed into products such as biofuels, fertilizers, or animal feed. Thus, the system becomes more efficient and reduces environmental impacts. It allows for conversion of waste streams into valuable products and promotes a circular economy approach.