International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

VOLUME 29(24) (2026)

Technical and Economic Evaluations of Conventional and Novel Technologies for Energy Resources Production from Wastewater Treatment

Hareem Munawar and Ayesha Tariq

Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.

 Abstract

               Rapid urbanization and industrialization have contributed to the generation of wastewater and the depletion of energy sources. Wastewater is a promising source of energy, if its high organic contents are properly handled. Variety of conventional methods, i.e., anaerobic digestion, gasification, pyrolysis, combined heat and power systems, incineration, hydropower etc. have been used extensively for many years for treating wastewater and recycling the end products to produce energy. But in recent years, novel technologies, including Microbial fuel cells, microalgae-based systems, increased biological phosphate removal recovery, membrane bioreactors, and membrane distillation etc. have emerged as promising alternatives, offering improved performance, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The technical and economical evaluation focuses on evaluating the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of both established and emerging wastewater treatment technologies. This study offers an up-to-date assessment of the shortcomings of traditional technologies and most recent advances in new technologies. Conventional technologies sometimes have lower initial costs but may have greater operational expenses over time. On the other hand, novel technologies can provide better results with economical cost and energy requirements. Novel wastewater treatment technologies focus on specific requirements, local conditions, and long-term sustainability objectives to pave the way for effective and financially viable wastewater treatment systems.

Keywords: Wastewater treatment, economic, environmental sustainability

Review article             *Corresponding Author, e-mail: hareemrana098@gmail.com; Doi # https://doi.org/10.62877/3-IJCBS-26-30-24-3  

Submitted: 05-08-2026; Accepted: 02-10-2026; Published: 02-10-2026