Wastewater As A Source Of Productive Water Biomass And Energy At Low Cost Against The Respective Scarcities In The Present And The Future In African Countries
Polish Journal of Environmental Studies
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Abstract: This study examines how wastewater can be sustainably converted into productive water, biomass, and energy in African countries. It highlights infrastructural gaps, untreated discharges, and informal reuse practices especially in urban agriculture. Case studies from Burkina Faso and Nigeria reveal ecological and economic opportunities from anaerobic digestion, constructed wetlands, membrane technologies, and algae-based treatments. The authors detail specific outputs such as biogas, clean water, fertilizer, and pathogen-free effluents, emphasizing circular economy potential. The review explores health risks (AMR, pathogens), regulatory challenges, and sanitation-financing bottlenecks. Recommended actions include community engagement, technology customization, and regional integration of wastewater into climate-smart water and energy systems.