Menu
MapConnectionsTopicsBulgariaThe Night (K-TRIO)Marie Skłodowska-CurieFor studentsFor teachersMethodologySurprise me
H2020Staff exchange2021–2026

SusWater · Sustainable integrated approach to achieve CECs and PTEs removal from contaminated waters. The aquaculture as case study

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2021-04-01 → 2026-03-31
EU contribution
€611,800
Participants
9
Scheme
MSCA-RISE

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Sustainable integrated approach to achieve CECs and PTEs removal from contaminated waters. The aquaculture as case study

A critical challenge for the 21st is the resolution of water crisis coupled with the increased food demand. Access to water is recognized as a fundamental human right by the United Nations General Assembly, whereas the achievement of clean water and sanitation is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Contamination of water resources has not only resulted in the shortage of water supplies but also affects food production. Within this scenario, SusWater aims to develop new environmentally sustainable tools for eliminating pollutants and treating contaminated water to make it available for aquaculture or reuse, coupled with a monitoring process to guarantee low cost and microbiologically safe water. Aquaculture is the ideal case study for contaminated water management as it is currently the fastest-growing food-producing industry worldwide. Furthermore, reuse of treated wastewater can be considered a reliable water supply, independent from seasonal drought and weather variability. This can be beneficial to farming activities that can rely on reliable continuity of water supply during the irrigation period, reducing the risk of crop failure and income losses. SusWater project aims to develop novel strategy to improve the efficiency of the treatment plants that will permit the reuse of wastewater by implementing a set of novel sustainable methods through the integration of adsorption, biotic and abiotic processes for the elimination of contaminants of emerging concern and the capture of potentially toxic elements.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Nowadays, the contamination of water resources coupled with the increased food demand is becoming a key issue. Concerning water, monitoring the quality of the water and its toxicological load is mandatory to guarantee the consumption of pure water to citizens; besides, we need to expand access to pure water by planning actions able to treat contaminated water using environmentally sustainable technologies with the final aim to guarantee a low cost and microbiologically safe water. Concerning food demand, aquaculture is the fastest growing food producing industry globally. It accounts for 47% of fishery products, which is estimated to reach 62 % by 2030.The project aims to face both sides of the coin by applying an integrated approach. On one side, we will develop new tools useful for eliminating pollutants. Different strategies will be adopted, all commonly sharing a low environmental impact. Fungi will be used to eliminate contaminant of emerging concern (CECs), with particular focus on antibiotics and some lipophilic compounds responsible of unpleasant taste on fish. On the other hand, potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as dissolved As, Hg, Pb or Cd species will be captured by exploiting the use of iron, adsorbents derived from biomass and inorganic oxides and photocatalysts jointly linked to strengthen their efficiency. The highest performing materials will then be supported on membranes or columns and will be tested in water for aquaculture or for reuse. In all sites, we will also assess the quality of water by monitoring CECs and PTEs in influent, effluent and post treated waters and by assessing the ecotoxicity and estrogenicity through the combination of different bioassays. The monitoring process will involve not only toxicological assays and chemical analysis using high-resolution techniques; it will also be combined with modelling processes aimed to fully assess the fate of pollutants.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO · TorinoCoordinatorItaly
  • AALBORG UNIVERSITET · AalborgDenmark
  • DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE SERVICE · BangkokThailand
  • KOKURITSU DAIGAKU HOJIN KYUSHU KOGYO DAIGAKU · KitakyushuJapan
  • METROHM HISPANIA SLU · MadridSpain
  • POLITECNICO DI TORINO · TorinoItaly
  • SOCIETA' AGRICOLA SAN BIAGIO · MARGARITAItaly
  • UNIVERSIDAD REY JUAN CARLOS · MostolesSpain
  • UNIVERSIDADE DE SAO PAULO · SAO PAULO SPBrazil

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union