Pollutant Upcycling and Resource Recovery for Environmentally Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Municipal Wastewater Management

Pharmaceutical compounds, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and phenolic compounds have contributed to fundamental socio-economic progress and human health. However, a variety of these chemicals are being discharged into the natural environment and causing degradation in water quality. Traces of these chemicals have been found in rivers, lakes, groundwater, sediments, wastewater, and drinking water. The compounds are now regarded as contaminants of emerging concern due to their negative effects on human and wildlife health. Moreover, the economic costs associated with these compounds, along with the resulting disease burden, are deeply concerning. In addition, phenolic compounds are highly toxic, carcinogenic, and can damage red blood cells and the liver even at low concentrations. They cause severe, long-lasting effects in humans and animals. Interaction with microorganisms or other compounds in water can produce equally toxic derivatives. Consequently, effective measures to remedy water sources by removing pharmaceutical residues, EDCs, and phenolic contaminants are paramount. Firstly, this project aims to offer a current and comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge regarding the environmental and human health impacts of pharmaceutical compounds, EDCs, and phenolic compounds in groundwater and wastewater within Nairobi and Kisumu counties, Kenya. Secondly, the project proposes to provide modernized, effective technology for the removal of antibiotics, anticancer drugs, EDCs, and phenolic compounds from ground and wastewater. Thirdly, it aims to develop an energy-efficient technique to convert phenols into hydrogenated compounds, which can serve as valuable feedstock for the chemical industry, adding economic value to wastewater. Finally, we seek to develop new prototypes for the removal of the aforementioned pollutants in water. It is envisaged that the research will make a concrete contribution toward alleviating water pollution.