Researchers in Italy are developing innovative and sustainable solutions for urban wastewater treatment, aiming to reduce energy consumption and minimize the production of biological sludge – a significant challenge in conventional purification systems. The project, known as S4WAT (Smart Sustainable Saving Solutions for WAter and wastewaterTreatment), will be showcased at a final workshop on , at the University of Basilicata’s Macchia Romana Campus in Potenza.
Funded by the PRIN PNRR 2022 program, S4WAT focuses on integrating hybrid biofilm bioreactors and specialized treatment cycles into existing wastewater treatment plants. These bioreactors utilize a combination of biological processes to remove pollutants, offering a potentially more efficient and environmentally friendly approach compared to traditional methods. The core goal is to decrease the energy demands associated with aeration – the process of adding oxygen to support the microorganisms that break down waste – and to significantly lessen the volume of biological sludge produced as a byproduct.
Biological sludge, composed of organic matter and microorganisms, presents a substantial disposal challenge for wastewater treatment facilities. Reducing its production not only lowers operational costs but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with its handling and disposal. The S4WAT project addresses this issue head-on through the optimization of biological processes and the exploration of complementary “nature-based” solutions.
Beyond the engineering aspects, the project incorporates advanced mathematical models to refine operational efficiency and enhance the technology’s overall maturity. These models allow researchers to predict and optimize the performance of the bioreactors under various conditions, leading to more reliable and effective treatment processes. S4WAT explores the use of nature-based solutions for both pre- and post-treatment of urban wastewater, aiming to further reduce the environmental footprint of traditional systems.
“We have achieved objectives that initially appeared very ambitious,” explains Professor Francesco Di Capua of the University of Basilicata’s Department of Engineering, the project’s scientific director and national coordinator. “Thanks to the collaboration between the partners, we have developed and optimized an innovative technology which allows, in a single continuous flow bioreactor, the removal of the main regulated macropollutants and, at the same time, a drastic reduction in the production of biological sludge.”
The collaborative effort extends beyond the University of Basilicata, with significant contributions from the Departments of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, and Mathematics and Applications “Renato Caccioppoli” at the University of Naples Federico II. Researchers at these institutions focused on developing mathematical models to optimize biological processes and exploring phytoremediation solutions – using plants to remove pollutants – as complementary treatment strategies.
Professor Di Capua adds, “The activities of the partner universities focused on the development of mathematical models for the optimization of biological processes and on complementary phytoremediation solutions. Our future goal is to propose these technologies for application in concrete plants and urban contexts, to support increasingly sustainable wastewater treatment.”
The final workshop on will serve as a platform for the research teams involved to present their findings from the past two years, discuss future development pathways, and highlight the potential impact of their work on the sustainable management of urban wastewater. The project’s outcomes could offer a pathway towards more resource-efficient and environmentally responsible wastewater treatment practices, benefiting both public health and the environment.
The increasing demand for effective and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions is driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and stricter environmental regulations. Traditional wastewater treatment methods often require significant energy input and generate substantial amounts of sludge, posing both economic and environmental challenges. Innovative approaches like those being developed through the S4WAT project are crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.
The workshop, beginning at 10:30 am at the University of Basilicata’s Department of Engineering (Building 2I, Room G2), represents a culmination of research and development efforts aimed at providing practical solutions for a critical environmental issue. The presentation of results and discussion of future prospects will be of interest to researchers, engineers, policymakers, and anyone involved in the field of water and wastewater management.
