Microbial BioRefineries: Engineering Microbiomes for Wastewater Valorization, Resource Recovery, and a Circular Bioeconomy

This book provides a comprehensive examination of modern wastewater treatment, reframing it as a dynamic platform for resource recovery rather than mere disposal. It explores the microbial foundations of treatment systems, from activated sludge to anaerobic digestion, detailing how bacterial and archaeal communities drive the transformation of pollutants. The text integrates cutting-edge topics, including the fate of pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and wastewater-based epidemiology for public health surveillance. It further delves into advanced bioprocess engineering, smart monitoring with AI and molecular tools, and emerging biotechnologies like microbial electrochemical systems and engineered consortia. Crucially, the book addresses the transition toward a circular bioeconomy, covering energy-neutral plant design, nutrient recovery platforms, and the creation of value-added bioproducts. By bridging microbial ecology with engineering practice, this work offers a quantitative framework for designing resilient, sustainable, and resource-positive wastewater infrastructure for the future.