Quality-based water and wastewater classification for waste-to-resource matching

Abstract

The recycling and recovery of water and resources from wastewater is necessary to maintain sustainable use of our limited global freshwater resources. To do so, we need to be able to distinguish and reference different water and wastewater types. In this paper, we present a method to classify and assign unique numerical identification codes to different water and wastewater types based on their water quality. A limited set of water quality parameters were identified based on national and international standards. Using the parameters identified, we devised a classification method to translate the water quality into unique identification codes based on several water quality ranges. Lastly, the water quality ranges for each parameter was determined based on country regulations and water treatment processes. The result is a ten-digit identification code system that is able to classify different water and wastewater based on their quality. The unique identification code assigned to different water types enables easy identification of water and wastewater resources. This acts as a common basis to reference water and wastewater resources and reduces ambiguity in the communication of water types. We showcased the utility of the classification through a waste-to-resource matching database which recommends possible pathways for waste-to-resource conversions.