This book focuses on environmental engineering, and on wastewater
treatment and reuse in particular, which is a vital aspect for countries
and regions suffering from water shortages. It introduces a new water
cycle management concept for designing water systems that mimic the
hydrological cycle, where reclaimed water is produced, stored/regulated,
supplied and used in a semi-natural manner so that its self-purification
capacity and system efficiency can be maximized. To ensure safe water
throughout the cycle, emphasis is placed on the control of ecological
and pathogenic risks using a series of quality indices associated with
bioassays and molecular biological analyses, as well as risk assessments
focusing on protecting the environment and human health. Together with
theoretical and technological discussions, a real case of a district
water system for maximizing water circulation and reuse by means of a
sophisticated water cycle is presented. This book introduces readers to
essential new concepts and practices and illustrates the future
perspectives offered by a new paradigm for design and safety control in
the context of wastewater reuse systems.