Work

Energy-positive wastewater management in urbanizing tropical cities: Integrating membrane filtration and anaerobic digestion in Kanpur, India

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Urban wastewater and organic waste management are critical challenges in rapidly urbanizing regions, particularly in tropical developing countries such as Kanpur and India. Conventional treatment methods, such as the activated sludge process (ASP), face limitations, including high energy demands, low efficiency in industrial contaminant removal, and excessive sludge production. This study proposes an integrated system that combines direct membrane filtration (DMF) with anaerobic digestion (AD) to address these issues. The DMF+AD system concentrates wastewater organics for codigestion with food waste, enhancing biogas production while reducing pollutant discharge. The results indicate a 58% COD recovery rate, an 83% reduction in contaminant discharge into the Ganges River, and significant improvements in effluent quality compared to those of the ASP. Additionally, economic assessments reveal that biogas energy production offsets operational energy requirements and costs, making this approach both sustainable and cost effective. This innovative system has potential as a scalable solution for urban waste management in fast-growing tropical cities, contributing to environmental protection and renewable energy generation.

Source: Cleaner Waste Systems

DOI: 10.1016/j.clwas.2025.100336

Author: Ruben Vingerhoets

Institutions: University of Antwerp, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

Language: English

Topic: Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences