Wastewater Valorization: Harnessing AI, Dynamic Modeling, and Novel Resource Recovery for Sustainable Development

Background

The field of environmental engineering is at a pivotal point as it strives to balance increased urbanization with eco-friendly practices. Wastewater valorization emerges as a promising approach to transform traditional wastewater treatment plants into resource-producing biofactories. Current challenges include developing methodologies that not only treat wastewater but also convert it into sustainable energy and valuable byproducts. Questions arise around the efficiency of these systems, the technologies most suited for such transformations, and their long-term impacts on the environment. Leading studies highlight the potential of integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), dynamic modeling, and novel recovery systems into these processes. These technologies have shown potential in enhancing the operational efficiency and environmental benefits of wastewater treatment plants. However, the field is still evolving, and there's a palpable gap in fully understanding and optimizing the interplay between these technologies and their role in urban sustainability.

Goal

This Research Topic aims to investigate the integration of innovative technologies within wastewater treatment systems to build biofactories that support sustainable development. It seeks to answer pivotal questions on how AI-driven optimizations, dynamic modeling, and novel recovery systems can work in tandem to maximize environmental benefits from wastewater valorization. The agenda includes evaluating life cycle assessments of these systems to understand their ecological footprint and potential contribution to a circular economy. Additionally, this research will explore the urban waste valorization angle, focusing on municipal and industrial waste streams conversion into sustainable energy sources and valuable byproducts. Ultimately, the intention is to shift the focus from traditional pollution control methods to transformative solutions that promote the circular economy.

Scope and Information for authors

To gather further insights in the field of wastewater valorization, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

-The role of AI in optimizing wastewater treatment processes
-Dynamic modeling for efficient resource recovery
-Innovative strategies for urban waste valorization
-Integration of life cycle assessments with novel recovery systems
-Technological synergies between environmental engineering, sustainability, and climate action

Authors are encouraged to contribute interdisciplinary perspectives that combine environmental engineering, dynamic modeling, AI, and sustainability science. We particularly look for studies that advance global initiatives in climate action and responsible consumption. By providing a platform for these discussions, this Research Topic hopes to significantly contribute to the transition toward a sustainable future. We invite contributions in various forms, including original research articles, review articles, and case studies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Wastewater valorization, Biofactories, Sustainable development, Urban sustainability, Advanced wastewater processing, Resource recovery, Circular economy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.