Sustainable Water Treatment Strategies Proposed by Chinese Researchers

Researchers in Shenzhen are championing a dual-method approach to tackle chemicals such as pesticides, industrial additives, and disinfection byproducts, which have increasingly been found in drinking water and blood serum. These compounds, known as chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), have challenged traditional water treatment systems that rely on high energy consumption, substantial chemical use, and which contribute to carbon emissions.

The team from the Harbin Institute of Technology’s Shenzhen campus suggests combining riverbank filtration with reverse osmosis to address these issues. This method is designed to reduce the risks associated with CECs in drinking water by lowering both cancer and non-cancer disease hazards to levels safe enough according to World Health Organization standards.

Additionally, the study emphasizes the benefits of adopting membrane-based water treatment technologies that minimize chemical usage and heighten efficiency. Improvements such as extending the lifespan of membrane modules and enhancing energy recovery could lead to a significant reduction in environmental impacts across the water treatment life cycle, positively affecting the atmosphere, water, and soil ecosystems.

The researchers believe that these innovative techniques have the potential to pave the way for the creation and deployment of sustainable, low-carbon water treatment systems. This approach is particularly promising for regions with advanced clean energy technologies and a high proportion of renewable energy in their overall capacity, marking a significant step forward in eco-friendly water management.