The future of every form of advanced wastewater treatment system lies in its ability to adapt and confront the current climate crisis. Every single day, trillions and trillions of gallons of wastewater are being treated by different companies’ systems. Yet, only four percent of this water can be deemed reusable by human consumption (through drinking, food production, laundry, cleaning, and other means of washing). What happens to the remaining ninety-six percent? They stay as waste, and they continue to pollute the planet, aggravating the climate crisis instead of “treating” it.
In other words, scientists and industries must work together to come up with sustainable solutions for water pollution. Here are the trends to look out for in the coming years, trends that should not remain untapped.
Reusability
Focus on the reusability of water. The more chemicals you put in, the greater the mess you will make, and the more polluted the water you’re supposed to “treat” becomes. Instead of adding complicated mixtures and solutions, adapt to the environment. Cooperate with policymakers and engineers into creating dams, waterways, and artificial rivers after looking up the history of the terrains that have been left behind or significantly changed during the industrialization of the location. Find ways to let water be before adding anything to it. Then water can be used and reused.
Technology
Instead of chemicals, try to use purifiers. Again, cooperate with scientists, technicians, and engineers into creating purifiers that will filter out micropollutants and bacteria. It will eventually lead to greater reusability.
Another upcoming trend of advanced water treatment is the use of biotechnology, where natural bacteria and other microorganisms can come into contact with pathogens and consume them. It enables a more natural and environmentally sustainable procedure that will require less energy. As much as possible, listen to science and pay attention to discoveries. Then try to find the simple within the complex. As always, the simpler the product, the more accessible it is to people.
Energy
One way to treat water is with water. That is not just through the means of reusability but also hydrodynamics or the use of water as energy. The power of water is mostly untapped as most industries focus on solar or wind energy. Using the movement of water, such as through water mills or pressurized water, has an equalizing effect that is at once sustainable, compatible with the needs of the environment, and powerful. With energy as a tool for water treatment, technology and reusability will follow.
Sustainability is the responsibility of everyone, not just the workers of industries related to solar power, water treatment, wind energy, and the like. However, when dealing with natural resources, there is an added responsibility. The same knowledge that allows workers to commit to their jobs compels them to contribute to humanity.
In other words, to fulfill the needs of the human race is to return to nature. Instead of fighting pollutants with more pollutants, we can harness what we have around us that nature has blessed. In other words, the less complicated anything is, the longer it will last.
