LIFE Project: Innovative combination of WWTP technologies for water reuse: anaerobic-aerobic processes, microalgae, and AOP
- Type Project
- Status Filled
- Execution 2019 -2022
- Assigned Budget 1.945.914,00 €
- Scope Europeo
- Autonomous community Comunitat Valenciana
- Main source of financing LIFE
- Project website Web del proyecto
This project validated a novel process consisting of a compact anaerobic-aerobic treatment system, a microalgae raceway, and a combination of an advanced adsorption and oxidation (AOP) process. The new WWTP concept recovered nutrients (algae) and reduced net energy consumption. Consequently, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were reduced through: anaerobic treatment that produces biogas and consumes less energy; microalgae treatment with low energy requirements; and adsorption and electrooxidation technology powered by renewable energy.
The environmental problem addressed by LIFE AMIA is water scarcity and the low rate of wastewater reuse, together with the intensive energy consumption of conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the contamination caused by micropollutants and pathogens that are not currently eliminated by conventional WWTPs.
Reuse wastewater for agricultural irrigation and aquifer recharge to protect the aquatic environment from contamination caused by pathogens and micropollutants not removed by conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), with significantly reduced energy consumption.
The treatment approach validated through the LIFE AMIA project demonstrates the environmental benefits of a new wastewater treatment technology that complies with upcoming environmental policies in terms of water quality and energy efficiency. The use of anaerobic-aerobic (A2C) treatment is an effective way to remove a high COD load while simultaneously obtaining an energy source from the biogas stream. The addition of a microalgal treatment (HRAP) achieves high nutrient removal from the water and the production of a new biomass stream with optimal qualities for use as a biofertilizer.
Finally, the advanced oxidation process (AOP) is effective in removing both priority substances and pathogens, achieving a clear effluent in a solar-powered treatment plant with very low waste production. The project has validated the suitability of the treated water and the resulting biomass (sludge and microalgae) for agriculture: the treated water was used in greenhouse cultivation and in expanded fields using different irrigated crops, while the sludge and algae were used as fertilizers with very good results, as they contain micronutrients that improve the soil and aid in carbon sequestration.
Postal address: C/ MAYOR N 82-84, 12001, CASTELLON
- FACSA (Sociedad Fomento Agrícola Castellonense)
- ACC(Atlantis Perivallon & Kainotomia LTD (Previously: Atlantis Consulting Cyprus LTD))
- CSIC(AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTíFICAS, M.P.)
- IPROMA(INVESTIGACIóN Y PROYECTOS MEDIO AMBIENTE, S.L.)
- ESAMUR(Entidad Regional de Saneamiento y Depuración de aguas residuales de la Región de Murcia)
- ARVIA (Arvia Water Technology Limited)
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