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This paper studies the effectiveness of high-rate algal ponds (HRAP) as an alternative to conventional biological wastewater treatment, and the HRAP potential to contribute to the circular economy by valorising reclaimed water and algal biomass. Outcomes of the HRAP pilot project (primary treatment of municipal wastewater: · Nutrients removal was 76% for total nitrogen and 41% for total phosphorus.
· Contaminants of emerging concern* (CEC) removal ranged from 51% to 92%. (detection of 12 CECs in the influent and 5 in the effluent) · CEC treatment efficiency comparable to activated sludge.*Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) are “naturally occurring, manufactured or manmade chemicals or materials found in the environment, whose toxicity or persistence is likely to affect the metabolism of a living being significantly” and include, for example, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, plasticisers, flame retardants, and hormones.