8 Challenges of the treatment technologies
The influence of wastewater treatment on biophysical ecosystems and
living creatures poses considerable issues. Regulations controlling
waste management are not the only elements influencing these
difficulties; socioeconomic and regional considerations also play a
role. It is challenging to find a universal technique that will remove
every contaminant from wastewater. Many biological, physical and
chemical treatments have been developed and published in the last three
years (Barakat, 2011; Rathoure, 2015). Although wastewater treatment
technologies are crucial for reducing pollution, they face several
serious obstacles. The intricate and varied makeup of wastewater is a
significant problem that can reduce the efficacy of treatment processes
(Köhler et al., 2018). Emerging contaminants which include drugs,
personal care items, and microplastics are difficult for conventional
methods to remove and require sophisticated treatment methods that are
frequently expensive and energy-intensive (Drewes et al., 2016).
Managing the residuals and byproducts produced during treatment presents
another difficulty. For example, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and
membrane technologies can generate hazardous byproducts or concentrated
waste streams that need additional handling or disposal, increasing
operational complexity (Parsons & Jefferson, 2006). Membrane fouling is
a recurring issue in membrane-based technologies, necessitating frequent
maintenance and replacement, which raises operational costs (Li et al.,
2017). Similarly, the high energy requirements of procedures like
electrocoagulation and reverse osmosis raise concerns regarding the
sustainability and carbon footprint of wastewater treatment (Shannon et
al., 2008). Furthermore, there are budgetary and logistical difficulties
in integrating new technologies into existing treatment facilities.
Modernizing infrastructure to support novel treatments frequently
necessitates a large financial outlay, and maintaining these
cutting-edge systems calls for qualified staff (Chen et al., 2015).
Further research and regulation are necessary to ensure the safe
application of emerging treatment technologies, as their potential
impacts on human health and the environment, such as the use of
nanomaterials, are not yet fully understood (Qu, Alvarez, & Li, 2013).
9. Future Directions
Emerging contaminants (ECs) present a significant challenge for water
treatment systems due to their presence in trace quantities. Although
physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid treatment processes have
proven effective for many ECs, complete removal remains elusive.
Consequently, several promising research directions are suggested to
address this issue, including:
- Development of Specialized Microbial Consortia: Future research should
prioritize the creation of specialized microbial consortia designed to
target contaminants of emerging concern, including drug-related and
daily used products. Engineering microbial communities with tailored
metabolic pathways and synergistic interactions can enhance the
efficiency and specificity of bioremediation. By optimizing these
consortia, researchers can improve the degradation rates and expand
the range of pollutants addressed, leading to more effective and
adaptable wastewater treatment solutions.
- Advancement in Detection and Monitoring Technologies: There is an
urgent need for advancements in detection and monitoring technologies
to manage the treatment of emerging contaminants effectively.
Real-time analytical tools, including high-resolution mass
spectrometry and advanced biosensors, can provide accurate and timely
data on contaminant concentrations and degradation progress. These
innovations will enable more precise control over the treatment
processes, allowing for quicker adjustments and enhanced removal of
pollutants from wastewater.
- Integration of Bioremediation with Advanced Oxidation Processes
(AOPs): Integrating bioremediation techniques with advanced oxidation
processes (AOPs) offers a promising avenue for improving the treatment
of persistent emerging contaminants. By combining biological methods
with chemical treatments such as photocatalysis and ozonation, hybrid
systems can achieve more comprehensive degradation of pollutants. This
approach leverages the strengths of both biotic and abiotic processes,
potentially overcoming the limitations of each method and leading to
more effective and robust wastewater treatment solutions.