Pearls and perils of resources recovery and reuse technologies

Recycling waste and wastewater and recovering useful resources such as compost, biogas, and treated water are gaining traction due to the increasing scarcity of water, fertilizer, and energy resources. Resources Recovery and Reuse (RRR) is a “double-edged sword” enhancing the supply of the valuable resources and greatly contributing to environmental sustainability. Effluents and treated wastewater are important for meeting water demands for agricultural irrigation, landscape irrigation, and environmental system enhancement. Fertilizer and nutrients recovered though recycling organic waste and filtering wastewater, or embedded in effluents can be essential inputs for increasing crop biomass, timber output, and production of aquatic crops and marine species such as fish. Similarly, energy recovered from waste and wastewater recycling (including dry manure for cooking and heating) is important for enhancing energy supply especially in remote rural areas of the developing countries. Yet, the utilization of the waste and wastewater resources for additional gains should follow the accepted safety guidelines in order to prevent environmental and health risks. This study critically assesses the available RRR options while comparing their economic, environmental, and health benefits and risks.