New PURE Lab ES&T Perspective Explores Upcycling Contaminants into Critical Raw Materials

Our new Perspective article has been published in Environmental Science & Technology! This artilce examining how metal(loid) contaminants removed during drinking water treatment could be re-imagined as potential sources of critical raw materials (CRMs). The article uses arsenic as a central case study to explore the intersection of water treatment, waste generation, and material criticality.

In the Perspective, we argue that arsenic-laden water treatment residuals are fundamentally different from mining wastes: they are generated globally as an unavoidable by-product of providing safe drinking water. Rather than viewing these materials solely as hazardous waste streams requiring costly disposal, the article outlines how emerging chemical approaches could enable their conversion into industry-relevant forms of arsenic, including metallic As(0), while acknowledging the technical and economic challenges that remain.

The article is intentionally forward-looking, aiming to frame research questions and opportunities rather than provide a full techno-economic assessment. It highlights how policy developments—such as the EU Critical Raw Materials Act—are prompting renewed discussion about whether essential services like drinking water treatment could one day complement traditional supply chains for certain materials, if appropriate recovery and upgrading technologies can be developed.

As a side note, we were honored that the Perspective was also selected for supplemental cover art in Environmental Science & Technology, which reflects the journal’s interest in the broader conversation around contaminant upcycling and sustainable resource management.

Read the full Perspective:
Upcycling Metal(loid) Contaminants to Produce Critical Raw Materials: The Nexus of Water Treatment and Material Criticality
Environmental Science & Technology — DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c13163