Exergy use review of wastewater study in Latin America

Abstract

Exergy is the maximum useful work that can be obtained from a system in a specific state and environment. Exergy research has focused on energy fuels, although wastewater systems have not been studied in depth. This review explores the study and exergy use for wastewater systems in Latin America over the last 20 years. Chronological production, authors, citations, geographic origin, topic and purpose of publishing were examined through a documentary and bibliometric analysis. Exergy has started its development in Latin America, and it is led by a single school, there is evidence of a single author with 30% of citations and 25% of publications. Brazil, Colombia and Mexico produced 81% of publications, their main purpose is evaluating processes and by-products. The review concluded an incipient exergy development in wastewater systems in the region and exposed the need to stimulate research as a strategy to achieve the SDGs.