What are innovative approaches to decentralized wastewater treatment in urban areas?

Decentralized wastewater treatment (DWT) is a system that collects, treats, and reuses wastewater at or near its source, instead of relying on centralized facilities that transport and process large volumes of sewage. DWT can offer several benefits for urban areas, such as reducing water and energy consumption, enhancing resilience to climate change, improving public health and sanitation, and creating opportunities for green spaces and urban agriculture. In this article, you will learn about some innovative approaches to DWT in urban areas, and how they can contribute to sustainable design.

1 Modular wetlands

Modular wetlands are prefabricated units that mimic the natural processes of wetland ecosystems to treat wastewater. They consist of a series of chambers that filter out solids, organic matter, nutrients, and pathogens, using plants, microbes, and media. Modular wetlands can be installed in various locations, such as rooftops, parking lots, sidewalks, or parks, and can handle different types and volumes of wastewater. They can also provide aesthetic, ecological, and recreational benefits for urban environments.

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Shadi AbouSamra

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Module marshes are a new technique to treat city wastewater without centralized systems. On-site wastewater treatment uses modular pieces with engineered wetland portions. Modular wetlands improve water quality by removing contaminants biologically and physically. They can be assembled in many urban situations because they are modular. Decentralised wastewater treatment plants are cheaper and greener. They decrease environmental damage from urban wastewater discharge and encourage community water recycling.

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2 Bioelectrochemical systems

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are devices that use microorganisms to generate electricity or valuable products from wastewater. They consist of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, connected by a circuit, and a membrane that separates the compartments. The microorganisms oxidize the organic matter in the wastewater at the anode, releasing electrons that flow to the cathode, where they can be used to produce hydrogen, methane, or other chemicals. BES can be integrated into existing wastewater infrastructure, or deployed as standalone units, to recover energy and resources from wastewater.

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David Ewusi-Mensah

Water resources engineer 🛠️ | WASH 🚰 | Operations 💻 | Sustainability Consultant 🍃| 3X founding partner 🌍
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BES are the future for sure. More innovation for membranes with more resistance to biofouling will be a game-changer, as well as regenerative catalysts.

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3 Membrane bioreactors

Membrane bioreactors (MBR) are systems that combine biological treatment and membrane filtration to treat wastewater. They consist of a bioreactor, where microorganisms degrade the organic matter and nutrients in the wastewater, and a membrane module, where the treated effluent is separated from the biomass and solids. MBR can produce high-quality effluent that can be reused for various purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, or industrial processes. MBR can be designed as compact and scalable units that can fit into small spaces and adapt to changing demands.

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4 Anaerobic digestion

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a process that converts organic matter in wastewater into biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, in the absence of oxygen. It consists of four stages: hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis, where different microorganisms break down the complex molecules into simpler compounds and gases. AD can reduce the amount of sludge and greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment, and generate renewable energy and fertilizer. AD can be implemented as small-scale or community-based systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with other treatment methods.

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5 Constructed wetlands

Constructed wetlands are engineered systems that use plants, soils, and microbes to treat wastewater. They consist of two main types: surface flow and subsurface flow, depending on whether the wastewater flows above or below the ground. The plants provide oxygen, nutrients, and habitat for the microbes, which remove pollutants, pathogens, and metals from the wastewater. The soils act as filters, buffers, and stabilizers for the water quality and quantity. Constructed wetlands can be designed as natural landscapes that enhance biodiversity, aesthetics, and recreation in urban areas.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are innovative approaches to decentralized wastewater treatment in urban areas?

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2

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4

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1 Modular wetlands

2 Bioelectrochemical systems

3 Membrane bioreactors

4 Anaerobic digestion

5 Constructed wetlands

6 Here’s what else to consider

Sustainable Design

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What are innovative approaches to decentralized wastewater treatment in urban areas?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Modular wetlands

2 Bioelectrochemical systems

3 Membrane bioreactors

4 Anaerobic digestion

5 Constructed wetlands

6 Here’s what else to consider

Sustainable Design

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