Invitation to a Licentiate Seminar: Can Source-Separated Wastewater Systems Contribute to the Sustainable Cities of the Future?
On September 18, Letty Mora will defend her licentiate thesis, “Beyond conventional sewers – the potential of source-separating wastewater systems in the expansion of wastewater infrastructure,” at Luleå University of Technology. The external examiner is Jennifer McConville, associate professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).
Beyond Conventional Sewer Systems
As cities grow and the demand for sustainable water and wastewater systems increases, source-separated wastewater systems are attracting ever-greater interest. By collecting and treating different wastewater fractions—such as blackwater, urine, and greywater —separately, these systems can contribute to more efficient resource use and reduced environmental impact. Despite this, they are still rarely used on a large scale.
In her licentiate thesis, Letty Mora examines how source-separated wastewater systems can be used as an alternative to conventional wastewater solutions when expanding wastewater infrastructure. The research highlights the perspectives of both water and wastewater authorities and households and results in a framework that describes various system solutions, their potential, and the challenges that need to be addressed during implementation.
The study shows that source-separating systems can, in many cases, be a sustainable alternative to the traditional expansion of the sewer network. A life-cycle analysis points to environmental benefits compared to conventional systems, while studies of user attitudes reveal a high level of acceptance for vacuum toilets in apartment buildings, a positive attitude toward the reuse of greywater in urban environments, and a willingness to pay for quiet vacuum toilets.
The seminar will be held on September 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Luleå University of Technology. Those who wish to participate digitally can join via Zoom. Contact peter.rosander@ltu.se for the link.
If you’d like to read the licentiate thesis, it’s available for download here:
You are most welcome!
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