Low-Cost, Sustainable Materials and 3D-Printed Systems for Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in Rural Communities: A Critical Review

Global water scarcity has intensified over recent decades, with projections suggesting that nearly six billion people may face limited access to clean water by 2050. Water reuse has emerged as a viable strategy to alleviate pressure on freshwater resources, particularly for non-potable applications. However, safe implementation requires wastewater to be treated to meet fit-for-purpose quality standards established through regional and national regulatory frameworks. Despite high levels of basic