Dataset
2022 • Argonne National Laboratory Opportunities for recovery of resources from municipal wastewater
The database and associated publication examine the potential for recovery and reuse of water, nutrients and energy from more than 15000 municipal wastewater treatment plants across the United States. In the study different technology scenarios including anaerobic digestion, hydrothermal liquefaction, and struvite recovery are assessed for impact on water, nutrient and energy recovery followed by a spatial analysis to assess demand for reclaimed resources and products at a regional level. The potential improvements of different technologies are available for each individual treatment plant in the database, while synthesized results are published in the report.
Recovered Materials & Products
Energy
Biogas
Fertilizer
Digestate
Water
Water reuse
Struvite
Waste Streams
Faecal sludge
Wastewater
Confirmed countries
Denmark Germany
What is this tool intended for?
This tool evaluates technologies and market opportunities for recovering water, energy, and nutrients from municipal wastewater. It aims to support resource-efficient WWTP upgrades and promote sustainability through circular economy practices in the wastewater sector.
How does this tool work?
The document provides a geospatial analysis of WWTPs, outlines resource recovery technologies, and models scenarios for their implementation. It assesses regional markets for reclaimed products and analyses environmental impacts, such as GHG reduction and reduced water stress.
Who might use this tool and with which types of stakeholders?
- Wastewater Utilities: Upgrade treatment facilities with resource recovery technologies.
- Policymakers: Develop supportive regulations for resource recovery.
- Researchers: Evaluate sustainability impacts of wastewater technologies.
What stages of a process can this tool support?
- Planning: Feasibility studies and selection of recovery technologies.
- Evaluation: Measuring environmental and economic outcomes of recovery efforts.
Where can this tool be used?
The methodology could be globally applicable but the report and database is focused on the United States. The proposed technologies are most effective in urban areas with large WWTPs (>5 MGD), near agricultural zones or water-stressed regions, and locations with existing natural gas infrastructure.
Get the Tool
Report + database of 15000 wastewater treatment plants in the US
https://greet.anl.gov/publication-recovery_from_mww
Technologies
Anaerobic digestion
Struvite precipitation
Hydrothermal liquefaction
Combined heat and power (CHP)
Themes
Assessment
Technologies