Anaerobic (pre-) treatment for the decentralised reclamation of domestic wastewater, stimulating agricultural reuse

Shortages in irrigation water in and around urban areas calls for alternative sources in particularly the (sub)tropical zones. Domestic sewage represents such alternative source and its nutritional value is known by the farmers since long times. In many situations, even (diluted) raw domestic sewage is used for agricultural purposes, especially in those areas that cannot afford extensive sewerage and treatment systems. However, discharge or reuse of non-treated effluents, give rise to serious environmental problems, including human health threats. Anaerobic pre-treatment might (partly) fill this gap owing to its costeffectiveness in construction and operation and the possibility to implement the system in a decentralised mode, i.e., reducing the required sewerage. Moreover, the local farmers can beneficially use the products of anaerobic treatment, such as nutrient-rich effluent and the stabilised sludge, whereas the produced biogas can be used on the site if it is produced in sufficient quantities. The present paper discusses various options for anaerobic (pre-)treatment, embedded in centralised and decentralised treatment & reuse concepts. Its cost-effectiveness may lead to a more rapid implementation of productive sewage reclamation, while the environmental problems are concomitantly addressed.

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