1.
Sustainability in wastewater treatment
Wastewater treatment using renewable energy is a promising approach to address the challenges
of water pollution and energy scarcity. Several studies have explored the integration of
renewable energy sources in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to achieve net-zero energy
(NZE) or energy-efficient operations. One study proposed the use of energy efficiency
opportunities (EEO), combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and renewable energy sources
such as solar, water, and wind powers to achieve NZE WWTPs (Mohammad et al, 2021).
Osamah and Ibrahim, 2021 developed an integrated solar-powered evaporation and membrane-
based water treatment system for industrial brine wastewater treatment, which showed promising
energetic and exergetic performances. Additionally, the treatment of wastewater can also be
coupled with the production of valuable energy-driven products, such as biofuels and biogas,
through bioremediation, dark fermentation, and anaerobic digestion processes (Ravi et al, 2020).
Furthermore, wastewater treatment plants can play a significant role in sector coupling by
utilizing surplus electrical energy for hydrogen production, long-term storage, and enhancing
purification processes (Michael et al, 2020). The combination of renewable energy and
membrane processes in wastewater treatment systems offers the potential for high-quality treated
water and resource recovery (Yang et al, 2019).
1.1. Solar Energy
Wastewater treatment using solar power is a promising solution to address the global water crisis
and reduce environmental impacts. Various techniques have been developed and implemented
for the treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater. Photocatalysis, solar thermal
electrochemical process, solar desalination, and solar advanced oxidation process are some of the
methods used for wastewater treatment (Pandey et al, 2021). Technologies for solar desalination
were used to transform brackish water into drinkable water (Sunil et al., 2019). The use of
parabolic troughs as collectors and other concentrating or non-concentrating solar techniques for
wastewater treatment has produced encouraging results (Lekha et al., 2019). Micro-power
wastewater treatment systems can be powered by solar energy, enabling autonomous treatments
without external surveillance (Wu, 2018). Another technique that uses energy from the sun to
desulfurize sewage from coal-fired power systems is solar-expanded distillation using
membranes (Haiping et al., 2018). These approaches to treating sewage are affordable and
environmentally responsible, helping to achieve sustainable development objectives and efficient
use of water resources. Integrating photovoltaic (PV) solar cells for wastewater treatment has
promise for minimizing the negative environmental effects of both home and industrial
wastewater. For the purpose of the treatment of sewage, the use of the sun's energy in the
photocatalysis procedures, solar thermal electrochemical procedures, and solar-powered
desalination procedures has been investigated (Pandey et al, 2021). In order to effectively
remove turbidity from waste water from factories, electrocoagulation—a highly effective
pollutant removal method—has also been integrated with PV solar power (Edson et al., 2021).
The SolWat blended system, that integrates solar water sterilization and photovoltaic power
generation, has also been tested for the purification of sewage and has shown favorable outcomes
in the areas of bacterial deactivation and generation of energy (Hagar et al, 2021). Additionally, a
photovoltaic ultraviolet electrical system has been created to generate electricity for
electrocoagulation devices, allowing for sewage treatment in remote locations without access to
traditional power sources (Marta et al., 2021). These studies demonstrate the potential of PV
solar cells in wastewater treatment, providing affordable and long-term approaches to reducing
water pollution. Grid-connected PV systems in wastewater treatment facilities can lower
electricity demand and offer reliable sources of nutrient-rich water for agricultural output,
according to research by Bey et al. from 2021. In order to achieve high rates of pollution
removal, Reda et al., 2020 studies the utilization of photovoltaic solar cells to supply electricity
for electrocoagulation treatment of olive crusher wastewater. The efficacy of photovoltaic cell
electro-Fenton oxidizing for treating refinery wastewater was established by Abbas et al. in
2020. Illustrated the results of Photovoltaic cell Cell Electro-Fenton oxidation for purification of
wastewater. Diverse methods of using concentrated solar power (CSP) for wastewater treatment
have been investigated. In order to treat industrial wastewaters that are surfactant-rich, Orlandi et
al. 2019 created a photo-Fenton process that is powered by intense sunshine. This process
quickly achieves high degradation yields. In 2018, Wu Junxing suggested a solar-energy micro-
power wastewater management system that treats imported sewage electronically along with no
external supervision. In order to produce low-cost, high-quality purified water, Chen et al. (2018)
developed a solar-expanded membrane separation technique for desulfurization treatment of
wastewater. This process combines solar electricity, impurity crystallization, and steam
purification. An oil industry wastewater treatment facility which utilizes slot type concentrated
solar energy was created in 2015 by Yao Zhihao and Zhang Ya Nan. It uses concentrated solar
energy to generate steam for continual wastewater treatment featuring high efficacy and no
contamination. A solar sewage treatment facility was created in 2013 by Luo Junguang that
absorbs solar energy, transmits heat that evaporates wastewater, lowers costs, and preserves the
surroundings.
Wastewater treatment using solar water heating (solar thermal) is a promising technology for
addressing the challenges of water treatment. It has been discovered to be viable and practicable
to dry sludge utilizing a wastewater source thermal pump and a solar heat collecting system
(Xiaohui and Wang, 2021). To remediate wastewater from the textile industry, solar collectors
like parabolic trough collectors are another option. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) has been
demonstrated to decrease by 30% using this technique following treatment (Lekha et al., 2019).
In addition, a procedure known as microbial electrolytic uses a porous microbial substrate to
create a film of bacteria that breaks down organic materials in waste while also creating heat
(Boris and Yehuda, 2018). Additionally under consideration are solar sewage purification
systems, that employ solar energy to generate heat and sterilize wastewater (Gregory et al.,
2015). Additionally, a mobile solar-thermal system that uses evaporation and condensation
mechanisms to clean wastewater to produce potable water was also developed (Daniel et al.,
2015).
SEWSPs or solar-enhanced waste stabilization ponds, were built to improve treatment
effectiveness and need less land. According to research by Jonah et al. (2009), SEWSPs for
treatment of wastewater are more economical than traditional ponds. As an environmentally
friendly and energy-efficient alternative for purifying wastewater, solar ponds are being
investigated. According to studies (Syafiqah et al., 2021) and (Sadek et al., 2019), solar
wastewater treatment (SOWAT) utilizing solar stills may efficiently remove contaminants and
sterilize sewage, rendering it ideal for recycling in both farming and manufacturing (Syafiqah et
al, 2021) and (Sadek et al, 2019). Pre-treatment, biological remedies, and disinfection are just a
few of the treatment stages that may be combined into one piece of equipment with the help of
SOWAT (Sadek et al., 2017). Since this method doesn't utilize any power, it doesn't produce any
emissions of greenhouse gases (Larissa et al., 2018). In regards to global warming, the
destruction of the ozone layer, and fossil fuel depletion, solar-powered lakes have been evaluated
and determined to be less detrimental to the environment than traditional wastewater treatment
techniques like sludge-activated wastewater plants (Tian, 2014). In areas with warm climates,
using solar ponds along with biofertilizer production has showed promise because it may further
minimize negative ecological effects and boost cost-effectiveness. In general, solar ponds present
a viable answer for effective and sustainable treatment of sewage. In order to identify the greatest
treatment effectiveness, Utsev et al. (2012) examined the placement of photovoltaic reflectors
within solar panels enhanced waste management ponds. A promising method of treating sewage
is solar desalination. In order to create effective photoabsorber systems for interfacial solar water
purification and heavy metal deletion, advanced materials like FeNi and reduced graphene oxide
(RGO) were employed (Roya et al., 2021). A hybrid sheet made of layered graphene and
polymethylmethacrylate functions as a solar collector and enables effective solar energy
extraction and extraction of dense metal ions with organic colors (Atin et al., 2021). The
desalinization and treatment of waste water can be made more effective overall by using
semiconductor-based photothermal substances for the production of solar steam (Dengyu et al.,
2021). Additionally, using silicon dioxide gel and water as a matching pair, a mathematical
framework has been created to examine the yield of the pure water and the cooling impact in a
solar absorption system (Idris et al., 2021). These improvements in desalination with sunlight
provide economical and energy-efficient methods for treating wastewater. The desalinization and
treatment of waste water can be made more effective overall by using semiconductor-based
photothermal substances for the production of solar steam (Dengyu et al., 2021). Additionally,
using silicon dioxide gel and water as a matching pair, a mathematical framework has been
created to examine the yield of the pure water and the cooling impact in a solar absorption
system (Idris et al., 2021). These improvements in desalination with sunlight provide economical
and energy-efficient methods for treating wastewater.
A numerical simulation for a solar absorption system that uses silicon dioxide gel and freshwater
as an efficient pair to desalinate agricultural wastewater was given by Jehan et al. in 2021. A
polymer-based substance called hydrogel can be utilized in sunlight interfacial vaporization for
desalination and separating oil-water mixtures (Swellam et al., 2021). Plasmonic Functionalized
Cotton (PFC) nanocomposites were developed by Hiran et al. (2018) for solar-powered water
desalination as well as wastewater treatment via successful evaporation of surface-level water
pools.
There are many ways to use solar power for wastewater treatment. According to one technique,
wastewater can be lifted, heated, evaporated, and disinfected using solar energy (Lekha et al.,
2019). This technique makes use of an evaporation plate, a distribution line for wastewater leaks,
and a wastewater collection tank. Another technique uses solar power to overheating sewage
while under pressure inside a tank, creating the right circumstances for biological material
oxidation (Lizhong, 2012). The water that evaporates can be put into a flash chamber to
evaporate and leave behind a brine made up with salts that have dissipated as part of this
process (Zvi, 2009).
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) can be used for wastewater treatment in the
photovoltaic industry. One method involves using a wastewater treatment agent that includes
fluorine-removing particles, a fluorine removal agent, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid.
This agent helps to reduce the concentration of fluorine in the effluent significantly, improving
the precipitation performance and enhancing the fluorine removal effect (Zhu et al, 2019).
Another method involves collecting alkaline wash wastewater and pickling wastewater
separately. Metal ions are added to the alkaline wash wastewater to generate a silicate
precipitate, which is then filtered. The filtrate is added to the pickling wastewater to regulate the
pH value, and a coagulant and coagulant aid are added to obtain a coagulating precipitate. This
method destabilizes colloidal particles in the wastewater, making subsequent treatment
easier (Mustafa et al, 2017).
Wastewater treatment using floating solar farms offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution
for treating wastewater. The use of solar energy in these systems allows for the superheating of
wastewater, creating oxidation conditions that effectively oxidize organic matter (Luo, 2009).
Concentrated solar energy can be directed onto the wastewater, either through a lens positioned
on or adjacent to a building facade, or through a sunlight shed pond (Zvi, 2009) and (Mark et al,
2011). Solar wastewater treatment (SOWAT) using low-cost equipment such as 'hot-box' stills
has shown promising results in terms of treatment efficiency and disinfection (Sadek, et al,
2017). Through this technique, several treatment procedures, such as pre-treatment, biological
therapy, and disinfection, can be combined into one piece of machinery (Sun, 2014). In addition,
SOWAT is an eco-friendly choice because it doesn't utilize energy or release greenhouse
emissions. Overall, sewage treatment with floating solar farms offers an effective and sustainable
method while cutting expenses and safeguarding the environment.
1.2. Biomass Energy
Treatment of wastewater using plant matter is a crucial component of accomplishing
environmental sustainability and the purity of water. Microalgae and bacterium consortia, which
are biomass materials, have demonstrated promise in the removal of pollutants and surplus
nutrients from different types of wastewater (Myrsini et al., 2022; John et al., 2022; Mara et al.,
2022; and Zishuai et al., 2021). Systems using microalgae can aid in the restoration of nutrients
and the creation of beneficial bioproducts. Algal biomass produced from unconventional sources,
such as wastewater mesocosms, can be used to improve the quality of sewage and clean up the
environment. Water appropriate for for use in agriculture has been produced by treating effluent
from dairy plants with bacterial biomass that was separated from lake bottom sediments. An
environmentally friendly option for sewage treatment, organic substances like cellulose plant
matter have unique characteristics and benefits in eliminating harmful compounds from water
(Biniaz et al., 2021).
Crop residues have the potential to treat sewage, in particular to get rid of wastewater that
contains phenol. The process involves activating crop stalks and carbonizing them to produce
straw carbon, that is then processed and used as an absorber for phenol in sewage. This method
considerably lowers the overall price of water treatment while enhancing the thorough
exploitation of field straw. It also has excellent adsorption impacts (Solomon et al, 2021).
Furthermore, it has been suggested to treat rural overflow sewage with crop remains. In this
procedure, crop straws are first broken down in decomposition tanks, and then the N, P, and K
are removed in an additional disintegration tank. When the water that has been treated reaches
the specified water quality criteria, it can be released or reused for agriculture (Christos et al,
2021).
An effective strategy for the environmentally friendly handling of trash and polluted places is to
treat wastewater utilizing specialized energy crops. A biological treatment technique called
phytoremediation employs plants to reduce levels of pollutants in polluted soil, water, or air. In
the phytotreatment of sewage and landfill leachate, the utilization of energy plants such
sunflower, soybean, rapeseed, and Pennisetum Purpureum (elephant grass) has demonstrated
positive outcomes (Nasser et al, 2021). According to studies by Leigue et al. (2014), Francesco
(2018), and Jorge et al. (2016), these energy crops have been shown to effectively eliminate
nutrient-rich organic matter, and pollutants from sewage while also encouraging production of
biomass for possible biofuel or composites. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that using
treated wastewater from municipalities (TWW) in agriculture can increase the yield of biomass,
improve nitrogen uptake, and lessen the demand for artificial fertilizers (Sugiura et al., 2008).
Through a variety of procedures, municipal solid waste (MSW) may be considered efficiently
employed for the treatment of wastewater. Ning et al. 2022) have discovered that MSW-derived
biochar, produced from classed MSW like dietary waste as well as waste paper, has a greater
particular area of surfaces and porosity, making it useful for absorption and catalytic processes in
wastewater purification. In order to remove contaminants and recover energy from landfill
leachate, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were also suggested as a technique (Silvia et al., 2021). In
order to remove contaminants and recover energy from landfill leachate, microbial fuel cells
(MFCs) were also suggested as a technique (Silvia et al., 2021). Furthermore, the removal of
phosphorus and biological oxygen demand (BOD) from tertiary effluent by sedimentation
precipitate methods utilizing various coagulants, like lime, dried out leaves, and polymer,
provided encouraging results (Maruf et al., 2020). To effectively remove pollutants and
contaminants from wastewater, a municipal treatment plant made up of a number of tanks and
procedures has been designed (Jiang, 2019). To remove the most BOD, COD, and phosphorus
from wastewater from cities, innovative physicochemical procedures have been utilized, such as
nano adsorbent treatment, electrical treatment, and ultra-filtered membrane (Mona et al., 2019).
Municipal garbage can be turned into biochar and utilized as a natural filter in treating
wastewater, leading to notable drops in COD, TSS, TKN, and TP (Musaida et al., 2018).
A promising method for recovering nutrients from sewage and removing pollutants is wastewater
treatment utilizing algal biomass. Metallic substances and nutrients like phosphor and nitrogen
can be successfully removed from wastewater by algae (Ashfaq et al., 2022). Microalgae-based
devices can help treat wastewater sustainably and produce useful natural goods at the same time
(Myrsini et al., 2022). With documented extraction levels up to 99.6% for nitrogen-containing
compounds, 100% for phosphorus, and 13%–100% for toxic metals, microorganisms have
demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in detoxifying sewage and removing micronutrients and
toxic substances (Shams et al., 2022). Furthermore, the biomass generated throughout the
process of treatment of wastewater using microalgae may be additionally prized for a variety of
uses (John et al., 2022). Due to their capacity to lower harvesting costs and improve biomass
management, algae with filaments have been recognized as an appropriate choice for sewage
treatment (Tomás et al., 2022).
Marine biomass treatment is a crucial strategy for environmentally responsible and sustainable
management of waste water. According to studies by Myrsini et al., John et al., and Shams et al.
from the years 2022 and 2022, microalgae-based systems offer a lot of promise for eliminating
pollutants and retrieving minerals from different kinds of wastewater. These microalgae may be
grown in various photobioreactor varieties and growth settings, and the biomass they produce
can be used to create a range of bioproducts (Biniaz et al., 2022). The removal of nutrients like
the minerals phosphorus and nitrogen, along with contaminants like arsenic, lead, and copper,
has shown the effectiveness of tiny algae in purifying wastewater. However, there are issues with
temperatures, biomass efficacy, pH, and other characteristics that require solving through pilot-
sized research and additional study. Other kinds of biomass, like cellulose-biomass, additionally
showed potential for eliminating hazardous compounds and contaminants from water in
alongside microalgae (Zishuai et al, 2021).
An eco-friendly and sustainable method of wastewater treatment uses animal manure to produce
biogas. Animal manure is frequently treated using anaerobic digestion, which also yields biogas,
which can be used as a sustainable energy source (Meng-Fen et al., 2021). By improving the
elimination of COD from animal wastewater, enzymatic digestion can increase the effectiveness
of the generation of biogas (Dongle et al., 2020). To boost the production of biogas, ammonia is
able to be eliminated by treating chicken manure sewage using air stripping as an alternative pre-
treatment method (Krailak et al, 2021). Decomposition and separating solids from liquids are
crucial phases in manure management that can both settle the manure and produce biogas. A
renewable approach for treating and valorizing cassava effluent is co-digestion with animal
manure and permeable adsorbents, which can increase treatment effectiveness and energy output
(Achi et al, 2020).
It is possible to remediate sewage using gas from landfills in a number of ways. Utilizing
microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with waste water collected from landfills as catholytes is one
strategy. According to Feng et al.'s research, using old waste water discharges as the catholyte in
MFCs led to greater efficacy in elimination and power density due to decreased internal cathode
resistance and favorable bacterial biofilm morphology. A combination of a waste gas and
wastewater treatment device, which consists of a sewage treatment box and an unwanted gas
treatment box interconnected by pipes, is another way. This mechanism enhances the treatment
performance of waste gas generated and inhibits the impact of reaction degree of hotness on
waste water in treatment (Sun et al, 2019). Gao et al. suggested a combined waste gas and water
treatment system that treats both hazardous gas and sewage in a single biologically ventilated
filter (BAF) device, enabling the treatment of both wastes at once. Furthermore, an industrial
waste gas and sewage unified treatment equipment was created that combined a power pulse
spray component, a waste gas and treatment for wastewater component, and a waste gas initial
treatment component. This increased the effectiveness of the waste gas treatment process (Yi and
Li, 2019). Lastly, a system for efficiently and consistently treating wastewater from hazardous
waste landfills was created. It consists of a preprocessing system, a membrane-based concentrate
system, as well as an evaporated crystalline device (Hu et al, 2020).
An environmentally friendly method of achieving resource recuperation and ecological
objectives is wastewater treatment using bioenergy crops for biofuel. Microalgae-based systems
may efficiently treat wastewater, get rid of impurities, and get nutrients back while
simultaneously creating material which can be used for different bioproducts (Merrylin et al,
2021). Microalgae can be grown in wastewater to reduce eutrophication and improve the overall
quality of the effluent (Myrsini et al, 2022). Additionally, biorefineries processing biomass for
biofuels generate complex wastewater streams that require sustainable and energy-efficient
treatment processes (John et al, 2022). The use of algal biomass from nonconventional sources,
such as wastewater mesocosms, can ensure sustainable production and pollutant
removal (Sivakumar et al, 2021). Biomass materials offer tremendous benefits in wastewater
treatment, and the development of bioreactors has advanced the efficiency of the process (Biniaz
et al, 2021).
2. Related studies of solar-biomass hybrid system:
A solar-biomass hybrid system is a promising solution for generating electric power in remote
areas and achieving self-sustainability in agriculture systems. The integration of solar and
biomass technologies can enhance system performance and stability. Several studies have
investigated the potential of hybrid solar-biomass systems. For example, Khosravi et al.
compared a biomass/solar system with other power plants and found that the hybrid system had
the lowest levelized cost of energy. Meriño Stand et al. demonstrated that integrating coconut
shell biomass with a concentrated solar tower system improved the exergetic efficiency of the
system. Gil et al. proposed a design approach for a greenhouse that combines solar thermal and
biomass technologies to meet water and energy needs, with optimal design parameters
determined through optimization algorithms. Badruhisham et al. proposed a hybrid biomass-solar
PV-wind turbine microgrid for stability and reliability in remote areas. Zahedi and Labbafi
designed a hybrid system that combines biomass culture, ground source heat pump, concentrated
solar collector, active solar distiller, and bio-oil/biodiesel reactor for freshwater supply and
biofuel production. Naoto et al. introduced a novel hybrid renewable energy system based on the
integration of solar power generation and biomass supercritical water gasification. Ammar et al.
investigated a solar-biomass hybrid system for a rural community in a semi-arid region,
assessing its energetic, exergetic, and exergo-economic indicators. Mohammad et al. presented a
hybrid renewable energy system consisting of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and a biogas
generator for rural electrification in Fars province, Iran. Mehdi et al. investigated a hybrid
photovoltaic-biomass system with energy storage options, analyzing its energy and exergy
efficiencies.
Constructed wetlands have been widely used for wastewater treatment, including the remediation
of difficult-to-treat wastewaters and the removal of various contaminants such as heavy metals,
organic matter, and toxic substances (Cristina et al, 2021) and (Vivek et al, 2020). Aeration
strategies, such as solar-powered aeration, have been shown to improve the removal efficiency of
conventional wastewater parameters and targeted micropollutants in constructed
wetlands (Nandini et al, 2021). When compared to sporadic aeration, continuous oxygenation
was shown to be more successful at eradicating drugs (Jason et al, 2019). In addition, applying
the risks quotient technique, it was discovered that the general threat of the examined specimens
versus aquatic habitats decreased with aeration (Donald and Hammer, 2019). The examined
papers did not, however, contain any particular investigations on the application of a solar-
powered ventilation in artificial ponds for the treatment of wastewater.
