Beyond the flush: a review of wastewater circular systems

npj Clean Water 2026 Open access

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Authors: Mahesh Ganesapillai, Anil Kumar Vinayak, Aditya Tiwari, Anushka Darda, Kasvi Chindalia, Thangapandi Chellapandi
DOI: 10.1038/s41545-026-00557-8
Cited by: 9
References: 175

Abstract

Global freshwater scarcity and degradation demand reconceptualizing wastewater as a resource within circular economy transitions. This review utilizes the resource-stack model and treatment-train design space to evaluate wastewater valorization, assessing recovery of water, energy, nutrients, carbon, and trace elements. It examines barriers, inefficiencies, costs, regulatory gaps, and societal resistance and highlights that aligning innovation with policy and governance can transform wastewater systems into infrastructures supporting water security and climate resilience.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Phosphorus and nutrient management Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Clean Water
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
9
Issue
1
Publication date
16 February 2026
Language
EN