Frugal engineering solutions for recovery of resources from wastewater

A reliable drinking water supply and appropriate sanitation in the western world are the product of numerous innovations which addressed pressing historical challenges. This paper discusses that to tackle emerging water supply and sanitation challenges in the Global South, the innovation system cannot be a simple translation of the western “sustaining innovation” system. In this chapter, the authors claim that “frugal innovation” is not only an alternative for the Global South but also for societies concerned about resource overexploitation. The chapter provides various examples of incorporating “frugal thinking” into different water treatment and sanitation aspects in resource affluent and resource-constrained societies. The authors present life-support system engineering concepts as a source of inspiration to design frugal circular solutions. Through these solutions, independency (in time and space) from natural resources and waste valorization in all types of societies can be achieved.