Best of: How to take waste out of wastewater
Best of: How to take waste out of wastewater  
Podcast: The Future of Everything
Published On: Fri Nov 28 2025
Description: In October, chemical engineer Will Tarpeh was awarded a 2025 MacArthur “Genius Grant” in recognition of his pioneering work to turn wastewater into a source of valuable materials. Will envisions a future in which the concept of wastewater is obsolete, thanks to advances in recycling. A couple of years ago, we sat down to talk with him about this work, and we hope you’ll take another listen today to learn more about the research Will is doing to transform the potential of wastewater into resources.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: ​​William Abraham TarpehConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Will Tarpeh, a professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:01) Wastewater as a Modern MineHow elements like nitrogen and phosphorus can be recovered from waste.(00:04:15) Path to Sanitation ResearchWill shares what led to his interest in studying wastewater.(00:06:55) The Science of SeparationThe electrochemical and material techniques to extract valuable compounds.(00:08:37) Urine-Based FertilizerHow human urine could meet up to 30% of global fertilizer needs.(00:11:08) Drugs in WastewaterThe potential of reclaiming pharmaceuticals from waste streams.(00:14:14) Decentralized SanitationOpportunities for neighborhood or household-scale treatment systems.(00:16:48) Source Separation SystemsHow dividing waste at the source improves recycling and recovery.(00:18:56) Global Sanitation ChallengesWays that developing countries can adopt modern waste solutions.(00:23:51) Preventing Algal BloomsThe systems that are helping to reduce nutrient pollution and dead zones.(00:27:16) The Urine SummitA community advancing urine recycling and sustainable sanitation policy.(00:28:43) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.