As part of the growing interest in resource recovery plants and not just water treatment plants, our team is studying the application of the circular economy concept by minimising waste production and optimising residue recovery. More specifically:
Identification of advanced treatment solutions for minimising residue production in water treatment plants
Water treatment plants (whether drinking water or waste water) inevitably produce a certain amount of residues (e.g. biological and/or chemical sludge, sand, etc.). Over the years, in order to limit the production of these residues, we have tested various innovative technologies as well as good plant management practices. According to the European Union, minimising production is in fact the first and most important step, in order of priority, in proper waste management.
Study of possible recovery/reuse alternatives of water treatment residues and other waste materials
Even if different plant choices can be implemented to reduce the production of residues in water treatment plants, a quantity of residues, albeit minimized, will still be produced. Our team can evaluate possible recovery alternatives of the water treatment residues and other waste materials. One example among many is sewage sludge which, when properly treated, can be used as an adsorbent substance for water treatment or as an "ingredient" for recycled concrete production.
Use of alternative materials in water treatment processes
The water treatment sector is not the only one that produces residues/waste during its normal activity, which can be recovered before being disposed of. Our group deals with evaluating the possible application of these alternative recovery materials from other sectors (mainly industry and agriculture) within water treatment plants instead of traditional materials commonly used in the processes.