Waste is a critical yet often overlooked component of any product or process lifecycle, with the potential to harm environments, plants, animals, and humans — particularly when mismanaged or ignored, leading to ecotoxicity and broader systemic damage.
For a truly sustainable and healthy system, every stage must be carefully considered, culminating in effective waste management, which involves the removal, recycling, and responsible treatment of waste to minimize its impact on ecosystems.

Similarly, wastewater poses a significant threat to One Health, as untreated discharges can spread pathogens, toxic compounds, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), creating costly health challenges for humans, animals, and plants. To mitigate these risks, wastewater must be treated before release, with innovative approaches — such as those producing algal biomass or biofuels — offering dual benefits of pollution control and resource recovery.
As highlighted by the European Environment Agency (2024), treatment processes can substantially reduce resistant bacteria and genes in wastewater and manure, preventing their re-entry into the environment and safeguarding both public health and ecological balance.

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