AbstractThis review focuses on the research literature published in 2018 relating to thermal effects in wastewater and solid waste treatment. This review is divided into the following sections: treatment of wastewater and sludge, removal and recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus, reduction and recovery of heavy metals, membrane technology, and treatment and disposal of solid wastes.Practitioner points Thermal effect plays an important role in the treatment of wastewater and sewage sludge. Recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and sewage sludge offers an excellent feedstock for soil amendment. Increase of treatment temperature facilitates removal and recovery of heavy metals from water and soil environment.