GREENDROP Operational Group: Sustainable regeneration of dressing water using microalgae for agricultural use

R1-O1 (R1): Laboratory-scale validation of the dressing water regeneration system using microalgae and Salicornia. This result will be achieved through several activities. First, microalgae and photosynthetic bacteria will be isolated and selected from dressing water samples collected at two points during the season. The samples will be characterized using physicochemical analyses and 16S sequencing to identify microbial diversity. The isolated microorganisms will be cultured, classified using a multiphase approach, and their individual and consortium growth will be evaluated. Subsequently, laboratory-scale purification tests will be conducted with real water in fermenters, evaluating the purification capacity of prototype strains and microbial consortia, as well as their compatibility with Salicornia. Water quality parameters (COD, phenols, EC, nutrients) and microbial stability will be analyzed using metabarcoding. Finally, the efficiency of the treatment will be characterized and a scaling protocol will be designed for a 300 L pre-pilot plant.

R2-O1 (R2): Development of a 1000 L pilot system adapted to real-world agricultural operating conditions. This outcome involves the implementation and optimization of a pilot treatment system based on microalgae and Salicornia. First, a 1000 L photobioreactor (PBR) will be installed at the Dcoop factory in Monturque, and an eco-lagoon for Salicornia will be constructed, sized according to the results obtained in R1. Simultaneously, a 300 L photobioreactor will be installed at CTAEX, where its operation will be optimized and monitored. Subsequently, the system will be adjusted to the environmental, operational, and logistical conditions of both facilities. Based on the scale-up results obtained in R1, the microalgae-Salicornia consortium will be optimized at pilot scale, and the interconnection between the PBR and the eco-lagoon will be evaluated to maximize the efficiency of the phytoremediation system. Finally, operating, cleaning, and maintenance protocols will be developed to ensure the stable functioning of the system.

R1-O2 (R3): Real-time data acquisition, analysis, and visualization system. This outcome includes the development of a digital infrastructure for system monitoring. First, low-power meteorological nodes and soil sensors will be deployed in almond and horticultural crops, capable of measuring soil temperature, humidity, conductivity, and pH. These devices will be installed both in plots where reclaimed water will be applied and in control areas to assess its impact. Additionally, a colorimetry module will be designed for the photobioreactor, enabling the monitoring of the microalgae culture's status and the determination of optimal operating phases. Simultaneously, a cloud-based data architecture will be developed, with a structured database to store information from sensors, images, and analysis systems. Finally, ETL processes and integration APIs will be implemented, allowing for the collection, transformation, and automatic updating of data in real time.

R2-O2 (R4): Services and recommendations layer with an interactive interface. This outcome includes the development of a digital platform for system management and analysis. First, a responsive web platform will be developed to centralize data visualization, including time series, maps with satellite vegetation and hydration indices (NDVI, NDWI), and the photobioreactor's status using colorimetry modules. The platform will have different user levels and permissions to facilitate secure access to information. A satellite image collection and analysis module will be integrated, allowing for the evaluation of crop status and the impact of reclaimed water use. An automatic alert system based on thresholds will also be implemented to detect anomalies in the photobioreactor or the crops. Finally, a module for personalized recommendations, based on rules and inference algorithms, will be developed to analyze historical and current data to optimize system performance.

R1-O3 (R5): Quantification of agronomic and edaphic effects of irrigation with reclaimed water. This result will evaluate the impact of reclaimed water use on agricultural crops and soil. First, experimental trials will be conducted on almond and processing tomato trees, comparing conventional irrigation with periodic applications of reclaimed water. In almond trees, indicators of vegetative development and vigor will be analyzed, while in tomato trees, growth, yield, crop health, and fruit quality will be evaluated using physicochemical parameters such as °Brix, pH, lycopene, and firmness. A comprehensive evaluation of agronomic parameters will be carried out, including productivity, fruit quality, and crop nutritional status. Finally, soil monitoring will be conducted in experimental plots using physicochemical analyses and metagenomic studies to characterize microbial diversity and evaluate the effect of fertigation with reclaimed water on the health and functionality of the soil microbiome.

R1-O4 (R6): Evaluation of the potential savings in fertilization and irrigation water through the continued use of biomass-reclaimed water. This result will analyze the potential for reducing fertilizer and irrigation water use through the application of reclaimed water. First, the reduction in the need for mineral fertilizers (NPK) will be evaluated through trials in almond and tomato, comparing conventional fertilization with treatments that combine reclaimed water and reductions in NPK application. Soil, leaf, and fruit samples will be analyzed, as well as vegetative development, yield, and production quality. Additionally, the water savings resulting from improved soil moisture retention through the application of biomass-reclaimed water will be studied, comparing different levels of irrigation reduction and monitoring soil moisture, water stress, and productivity. Finally, the utilization of Salicornia from the wastewater treatment system will be evaluated, exploring its valorization as a food ingredient and its potential use in low-salt products.

RD1: Dissemination Plan. Effective Internal Communication. A Dissemination Plan will be developed to define the project's communication strategy and the tools needed for disseminating information (Act 1. RD1). This plan will include the identification of target audiences, responsibilities, communication guidelines, and corporate identity, as well as the design of dissemination materials (brochures, roll-up banners, posters, or templates). It will also include the online dissemination strategy through the EU-FarmBook platform and the websites and social media of the project partners. Furthermore, effective internal communication will be fostered through the use of digital tools that facilitate information exchange among consortium members (Act 2. RD1). Regular coordination meetings will be organized to assess progress, detect potential deviations, and conduct risk analyses, establishing contingency plans, when necessary, to ensure the project's successful implementation.

RD2: Dissemination and technology transfer through participation in events and organization of project workshops. Dissemination and knowledge transfer activities will be carried out through participation in industry events and the organization of project-specific workshops. In particular, the consortium will participate in relevant industry events and trade fairs, such as the Table Olive Conference, AGROEXPO, and other events related to agricultural innovation, in order to present the project and disseminate its progress among key stakeholders (Act 1. RD2). In addition, project-specific workshops will be organized, including a workshop aimed at young people and a final results presentation workshop to be held in Andalusia, at the DCOOP facilities (Act 2. RD2). Finally, cooperation with other Operational Groups will be fostered by participating in an annual networking event to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices with other initiatives in the sector (Act 3. RD2).

RD3: Project Dissemination through Virtual Activities. Various digital communication actions will be developed to disseminate the project and its results. First, content will be disseminated through the project website and the EU-FarmBook platform, where information on the objectives, participants, and expected results will be published (Act 1. RD3). Dissemination will also take place through the websites and social media of the partners, sharing project-related content and using the hashtag #GOGREENDROP to broaden its reach (Act 2. RD3). Furthermore, electronic newsletters will be produced with relevant project information, including news, progress updates, and information on organized events. At least three newsletters, produced by CTAEX and distributed by all partners to maximize their impact, are planned (Act 3. RD3). Finally, audiovisual materials will be developed, including the production of a corporate video for the project, to support communication and dissemination activities (Act 4. RD3).

RD4: Publications. Various dissemination activities will be carried out to promote the project and its results, ensuring their dissemination among professionals in the sector, the scientific community, and the general public. First, a series of press releases will be issued for distribution through various media outlets (print, TV, radio, web, and social media) (Act 1. RD4). These communications will be issued throughout the project, beginning with an initial presentation and continuing with new publications as significant advances are made. CTAEX will coordinate their drafting, and all partners will participate in their dissemination. Additionally, technical and scientific publications will be produced for specialized journals and national conference proceedings (Act 2. RD4). Finally, a final publication will be produced summarizing the project's main results, conclusions, and recommendations (Act 3. RD4).