Wastewater Reclamation – opportunities and challenges

Water scarcity poses a growing global challenge, intensified by climate change, population growth, and rising water demand. Municipal wastewater reclamation offers a sustainable solution, transforming waste into a resource. This study, conducted within the ReNutriWater project, evaluates the potential of reclaimed water to supplement fertilizer nutrient demand, focusing on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and total organic carbon (TOC). Treated wastewater from a large municipal WWTP was disinfected using three methods: chlorination, ozonation, and UV irradiation. Results indicate that ozonation provides the most effective microbial disinfection but reduces nutrient concentrations more than chlorination or UV. Nutrient retention was highest following UV and chlorination, with potassium showing the greatest potential for meeting plant nutrient requirements. The study underscores that nutrient levels in reclaimed water depend on both the disinfection method and the operational parameters of the treatment plant. Thus, optimized WWTP control strategies can enhance nutrient recovery and support water reuse. This work highlights key challenges and opportunities for integrated water and nutrient recycling systems.