Circular Economy Applications for Water Security

Dr. Erick R. Bandala is Director Research & Development at DASCO Inc. He holds a PhD in Engineering, an MSc in Organic Chemistry, and a BE in Chemical Engineering. His research interests in Environmental Engineering include: a) the water‑energy‑food nexus; b) water reliability; c) international water, sanitation, and hygiene (IWASH); d) climate change adaptation technologies for water reliability; and e) synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials for environmental restoration. He is the author or co-author of 150 peer-reviewed papers in international journals (2022 average impact factor 5.8, >5,390 citations, h‑index 41), five books, 30 book chapters, and 65 works published in the proceedings of international conferences. He is the Chief Editor of Water in Air, Soil and Water Research, and Associate Editor of Frontiers in Environmental Science.

• FUNDAMENTALS. Sustainable Developing Goals (SDGs): SDG 6 and its significance for sustainable growth. The Circular Economy concept and its application to SDG 6. Alternative water sources for sustainable water security. Life cycle analysis: A tool for evaluation of circular economy applications. Indirect potable reuse: Challenges and opportunities. CASE STUDIES. The significance of recycled water reuse among potential users. Biogenic nanomaterials for water detoxification and disinfection. Modified biochar-related materials for water and wastewater treatment. Metallic slag applications for photocatalytic degradation of emerging pollutants. Engineered hydrochar materials for water pollutants removal. Immobilized microorganisms for organic matter and nutrient removal. Applications of micron-scale brass on emerging pollutant degradation in water. Application of erobic bio-granules for the removal of organic matter and nutrients. Alternatives for urban stormwater treatment. Reuse of transparent plastic containers for solar water disinfection.