Supercritical water gasification for hospital wastewater

• Supercritical water gasification (SCWG): novel 1-step solution for hospital wastes. • Eradicates hazardous wastewater; removes pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and pathogens. • Converts hospital wastewater into valuable syngas for on-site energy. • On-site SCWG eliminates off-site transport, reducing hazardous waste spill risks. • Compact sustainable, energy-efficient solution for managing hospital wastewater. Hospital wastewater, laden with pharmaceuticals, pathogens, and hazardous substances, poses a significant challenge to conventional treatment methods. Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) emerges as a promising alternative, offering complete sterilization and near-complete degradation of organic pollutants in a single, energy-efficient step, with the added benefit of generating valuable syngas. This compact technology harnesses the unique properties of water above its critical point, enabling rapid oxidation of contaminants and transforming them into syngas and benign products like carbon dioxide and water. Its minimal footprint and streamlined process make SCWG particularly well-suited for on-site integration in hospitals, potentially reducing logistical complexities and environmental impact. This comprehensive review explores the potential of SCWG for hospital wastewater management, examining its feasibility, advantages, limitations, and economic viability. Ultimately, this technology paves the way towards a future where healthcare facilities can achieve both ecological responsibility and unparalleled sanitation, safeguarding both public health and our planet.