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Integrative Sustainability Assessment of Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies: Environmental Impact, Geochemical Insights, and Techno-Economic Evaluation for Circular Water Management

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Rapid advancements in wastewater treatment technologies are essential for achieving sustainability goals related to circular water use, carbon neutrality, and resource efficiency. This review provides an integrative assessment of key advanced treatment systems including membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and anaerobic digestion by examining their environmental performance, geochemical implications, and techno-economic feasibility. Findings from life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon footprint evaluations, and cost–benefit analyses identify technologies with high eco-efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, particularly those enabling energy recovery and enhanced water reuse. The synthesis demonstrates that combining environmental indicators with geochemical insights supports the development of sustainable treatment pathways. Overall, the review highlights the need for integrated evaluation frameworks that link technological function with environmental and economic outcomes, guiding future wastewater treatment under circularity and climate-resilient frameworks.

Source: Earth Systems Resources and Sustainability

DOI: 10.53941/esrs.2026.100008

Authors: Veeramalai Gopal, Rajaram Kalaivanan, Subramanian Muthusamy

Institutions: Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Pondicherry University

Language: English

Topic: Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7125802868