Biological Processes for the Treatment and Resource Recovery of Food Industry Wastewater: Challenges and Opportunities

Technological advancement has changed the perspective of wastewater from a problem to an important resource. This is particularly true for the wastewater produced by the food industry, which constitutes one of the major contributors to industrial wastewater emissions. In comparison to other types, wastewater from the food industry is known for its high organic content (HOC), representing unique opportunities for resource recovery. This not only leads to savings in operational costs but also opens avenues toward profitability through new treatment approaches. A variety of biological treatment technologies have been developed for the problems that arise from wastewater produced by the food industry. All of them have certain advantages as well as disadvantages, including anaerobic digestion, microbial fuel cells, purple phototrophic bacteria, microalgae systems, black soldier fly larvae applications, and many more. An extensive comparison among the different technologies concerning economic feasibility, environmental footprint, and sustainability could be helpful to find the most efficient technology in the treatment of food industry wastewater (FIWW). Each of these technologies has unique and promising potential. For instance, hybrid systems, which combine different technologies, may offer even more effective and efficient solutions. However, their adoption depends on several factors, including regulatory frameworks, economic challenges, and other practical limitations. In particular, the economic aspect is particularly important in modern decision-making processes. To ensure the sustainability of these systems, the recovery of resources and commercialization of by-products originating from wastewater treatment are critical. These technologies can achieve not only financial recoupment but also profitability by converting waste into economically valuable products. This dual benefit is in line with the growing interest in sustainability and principles of the circular economy, thereby paving the way for a future in which wastewater will be viewed as an opportunity, not an obstacle.