In the heart of a South African informal settlement, a groundbreaking trial has demonstrated the potential to revolutionize sanitation and water management in high-density urban environments. The NEWgenerator (NG), an advanced non-sewered sanitation system (NSSS), has shown remarkable promise in treating high-strength blackwater and recycling it for toilet flushing, significantly reducing the demand for municipal water.
The three-month field trial, led by Hsiang-Yang Shyu from the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA, focused on the NG’s ability to treat blackwater from a community facility and recycle the treated water. The results, published in Water Research X, are nothing short of impressive. The NG consistently met local recycled water standards for various parameters, including pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, residual chlorine, and Escherichia coli. Moreover, it reduced total nitrogen levels by 97%, surpassing the recently developed ISO 30500 standard.
“The NG’s performance in this trial is a significant step forward in achieving sustainable sanitation and water management in areas with limited water supply,” Shyu said. “By recycling water onsite, we can greatly reduce the demand for potable water, which is crucial for both environmental and economic reasons.”
The trial highlighted the NG’s potential to offset municipal water demand for toilet flushing. However, a high leakage rate posed a challenge, wasting approximately 78% of the flush water. Despite this, the NG demonstrated its capability to meet the entire flush water demand if demand reduction measures, such as leak repairs and water-efficient toilets, were implemented. This would achieve a closed-loop water system, a significant milestone in sustainable water management.
One of the key aspects of the NG’s design is its use of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor, a technology that combines anaerobic digestion and membrane filtration. This process not only treats the wastewater but also generates biogas, a renewable energy source. The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. As urbanization continues to grow, particularly in developing countries, the demand for sustainable and efficient sanitation solutions will increase. The NG’s ability to treat wastewater and produce biogas simultaneously presents a dual benefit: reduced water demand and a renewable energy source.
The trial also addressed the potential issue of ion accumulation in a closed-loop system. While no significant ion accumulation was observed during the trial, simulations indicated the need for periodic water replacement to maintain the NG’s nutrient removal efficiency. This finding underscores the importance of ongoing research and development to optimize the NG’s performance in real-world applications.
The success of the NG in this trial opens up exciting possibilities for future developments in the field. As Shyu noted, “The NG’s performance in this trial is a significant step forward in achieving sustainable sanitation and water management in areas with limited water supply.” The potential for water reuse, energy generation, and reduced municipal water demand makes the NG a compelling solution for high-density urban environments.
The energy sector stands to benefit significantly from the NG’s technology. The production of biogas from wastewater treatment not only reduces the environmental impact of wastewater but also provides a renewable energy source. This dual benefit could drive the adoption of similar technologies in urban areas, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.
As the world continues to grapple with water scarcity and the need for sustainable sanitation, the NG’s success in this trial offers a beacon of hope. The trial’s findings, published in Water Research X, provide a solid foundation for further research and development. The future of sanitation and water management in high-density urban environments looks promising, with the NG leading the way towards a more sustainable and water-efficient future.
