Our research seeks ways to improve the systems and processes we use to collect and treat wastewater. This includes:

• rethinking sewer systems as components of wastewater treatment systems
• developing new treatment technologies for added value recovery
• developing flexible and modular treatment systems
• developing new treatment technologies to remove pharmaceuticals, personal care products and other micro pollutants

During its use, water takes up faecal wastes and other contaminants. This used water is discharged back into the environment. Until the 1960s, water from urban areas drained directly into surface waters. But, due to surface water deterioration, wastewater treatment systems were installed to protect surface waters from pollution.

Wastewater is now recognised as a resource for many valuable materials. These include water itself, nutrients, feedstocks for bioplastics, chemical energy, and heat. More utilities are seeking efficient and effective ways to recover these materials, playing an important role in the circular economy.

An international development involves the many uses of water for many purposes. This means that water will cascade through several applications, each time degrading its quality, until it is unusable and requires treatment.

A second aspect of wastewater collection is urban drainage. When we collect rainwater in a controlled way, it reduces nuisance and damage, and the water can be used as an alternative water source.