Urban Wastewater Management: Microbial Ecology, Public Health Implications and Sustainable Reuse

Abstract

​Wastewater, containing a diverse array of organic, inorganic, and synthetic materials, including pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), poses significant public health risks if inadequately treated. This review explores the microbial ecology of urban wastewater, focusing on the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as the prevalence of ARGs. The article highlights the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology for monitoring infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and discusses the various infections and illnesses associated with exposure to untreated or poorly treated wastewater. These include intestinal infections, skin infections, and waterborne diseases like campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, and hepatitis A. It also examines the role of hospital and pharmaceutical wastewater as reservoirs for ARGs and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for effective treatment technologies to mitigate these risks. Advanced wastewater treatment processes, such as microbial fuel cells and vermicomposting, are discussed as potential solutions for pathogen removal and sustainable wastewater management. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of treated wastewater reuse in addressing freshwater scarcity and the need for a comprehensive approach to urban wastewater management that integrates effective treatment technologies, monitoring strategies, and risk assessment to protect public health and promote sustainable water reuse practices.