Advanced Technological and Bioelectrochemical Modular Wetlands for water regeneration and nutrient recovery in small populations

ongoing

The aim of LIFE smallWAT is to develop and demonstrate an innovative, modular, versatile and resilient wastewater treatment for small agglomerations (<2,000 PE) in different climatic conditions, adaptable to the local context and needs, with flexible operation for 3 different purposes: 1) high nutrient removal for direct discharge of treated wastewater, 2) production of water for reuse and recovery of nutrients for the fertilising industry, 3) production of water with nutrients for direct reuse in agricultural irrigation. To this end, the solution will consist of a combination of advanced CWs, natural filtration units for nutrient recovery and UVC-LED for disinfection, that can operate as separate units or in a complete system. To achieve the project´s objectives, the LIFE smallWAT methodology encompass 4 interdisciplinary blocks: 1. Design of the LIFE smallWAT solutions for each site based on the background of each technology and local context; 2. Validation of each site and analysis of results to define replication sites and develop guidelines for further replication and scale-up.; 3. Develop of a multi-criteria decision framework for the selection of technologies for WW treatment, considering environmental, economic and social issues; and 4. Maximise the sustainability, replicability, scalability and exploitation of project results and impacts. The project is aligned with the priorities of water, specifically with Water Services by the demonstration and implementation of innovative wastewater treatment solution aimed at improving resource efficient provision of wastewater treatment services to population in small towns. In addition, the project also aims to increase water quality by reducing nutrients and organic pollution discharges into the EU water bodies. Therefore, LIFE smallWAT will improve the efficient management of water resources, preserving the level of water quality and avoiding the misuse and deterioration of the scarce water resources.