LOW-CARBON ENERGY GENERATION IN BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

L. R. Hrytsak, Kh. M. Kolisnyk, N. M. Drobyk

Abstract


This article explores modern approaches to the transformation of energy-intensive wastewater treatment technologies within the framework of the water-energy nexus. It highlights the strong interdependence between water management systems and energy consumption, emphasizing that wastewater treatment plants remain highly reliant on fossil fuel energy sources, which significantly contribute to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The study also addresses the growing global volume of wastewater and the environmental risks associated with its insufficient treatment, including deterioration of surface and groundwater quality, degradation of aquatic ecosystems, soil contamination with toxic compounds, and the bioaccumulation of hazardous substances in food chains.
Special attention is given to the energy potential of wastewater as a source of renewable energy. It is shown that the implementation of energy recovery technologies can significantly increase the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants and reduce their carbon footprint. Innovative wastewater treatment technologies, including membrane bioreactors, anaerobic bioreactors, constructed wetlands, and microbial fuel cells, are analyzed. These technologies are characterized in terms of their operational principles, benefits, limitations, and technology readiness levels as well as the potential for integration into modern water treatment systems.
The findings demonstrate that integrating renewable energy systems into wastewater treatment processes can significantly reduce energy demand and carbon emissions. Moreover, such approaches enable the transition of wastewater treatment plants from energy consumers to energy-positive and potentially carbon-negative facilities. The study substantiates the importance of adopting circular economy principles in the water sector, promoting resource recovery, energy efficiency, and sustainable environmental management.
Overall, the implementation of advanced treatment technologies and integrated energy solutions is identified as a key pathway toward achieving climate neutrality and sustainable development goals in the context of increasing environmental challenges.

Keywords


environmental safety; water–energy nexus; wastewater; energy efficiency; membrane bioreactors; anaerobic processes; microbial fuel cells; carbon sequestration

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.25128/2078-2357.25.4.10

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