In the heart of rural communities across the global south, a pressing challenge persists: the absence of domestic wastewater treatment. This gap not only threatens public health but also hampers environmental sustainability. However, a recent study published in the journal *Clean Technologies* (translated from Spanish as *Tecnologías Limpias*) offers a promising solution, blending nature-based solutions and the circular economy to create a decentralized, cost-effective treatment system.
The research, led by Franco Hernán Gómez from the Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Brescia in Italy, introduces a three-stage treatment process that leverages local resources and minimizes reliance on commercial chemicals. “Our goal was to develop a system that is not only effective but also practical and replicable in resource-limited areas,” Gómez explains.
The first stage of the treatment process uses aloe vera extract as a natural coagulant, achieving up to 39.9% turbidity reduction. This approach not only reduces the need for commercial chemicals but also valorizes aloe vera waste, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. “By using locally available resources, we can reduce costs and promote sustainability,” Gómez adds.
The second stage employs a horizontal flow biofilter system using the aquatic macrophyte *Eichhornia crassipes* (EC), which removed 97.9% of fecal coliforms, 82.4% of *Escherichia coli*, and 99.9% of heterotrophic bacteria. This stage demonstrates the power of nature-based solutions in wastewater treatment, offering an effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods.
The final stage involves a tertiary treatment step using activated carbon derived from soursop seed waste. This step achieved 99.7% methylene blue removal in preliminary tests and an average 97.5% turbidity reduction in domestic wastewater. “The use of soursop seed waste not only reduces waste but also provides an effective adsorbent for wastewater treatment,” Gómez notes.
The integrated configuration presented in this study offers a practical, effective, and replicable approach for decentralized domestic wastewater treatment. By fostering local waste valorization and reducing reliance on commercial chemicals, this system enhances water quality in resource-limited rural areas. The potential for scaling to pilot applications in rural communities is significant, with implications for public health and environmental sustainability.
This research could shape future developments in the field by promoting the use of nature-based solutions and the circular economy in wastewater treatment. As Gómez concludes, “Our study demonstrates the potential of integrating natural resources and waste materials into wastewater treatment processes, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for rural communities.” The findings published in *Clean Technologies* provide a compelling case for the adoption of such systems, paving the way for improved water quality and public health in underserved areas.