Greywater as a sustainable source for development of green roofs: Characteristics, treatment technologies, reuse, case studies and future developments

J Environ Manage. 2021 Jul 3:295:112991. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112991. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Municipal activities are one of the most important water users worldwide; thus, the treatment and reuse of greywater for non-potable purposes helps to reduce a remarkable amount of consumed water within urban communities. To achieve greywater reuse standards, and remove surfactants, micropollutants, organic matters, microorganisms and other pollutants various methods including physical, chemical and biological processes have been used. Treated greywater can be used on site for different purposes: carwash, toilet flushing, fire protection, green roofs, green walls, non-food irrigation etc. Among them, the use of greywater is very important in the expansion of the green roofs. Green roofs offer many benefits to urban areas such as decreasing air pollution, reducing building cooling needs, promoting mental health of habitants, noise reduction and aesthetics improvement. Therefore, this article provides an overview mainly from two aspects, the possibilities of greywater reuse by studying the characteristics and available options for greywater treatment and its benefits toward the developing green roofs.

Keywords: Green roof; Greywater; Noise; Pollution; Reuse; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review