Microalgal-bacterial granular sludge process: A game changer of future municipal wastewater treatment?

Abstract

This article is in the hope to open a fundamental discussion on what should future municipal wastewater treatment process be. A paradigm shift of treatment technology from present single functionality of removing to multiple-functionality of synergetic water-resource-energy recovery and carbon neutral for maximizing both environmental and economic sustainability. However, the current treatment technologies could hardly meet such requirements. It is elucidated in this article that a microalgal-bacterial granular sludge process could offer a promising option for achieving the multiple goals of municipal wastewater reclamation including energy generation, resource recovery and carbon reduction.

Keywords: Carbon reduction; Energy recovery; Environmental sustainability; Microalgal-bacterial granular sludge; Municipal wastewater treatment.