Eco-efficient system for wastewater tertiary treatment and water reuses in the Mediterranean region

Introduction

LIFE BIODAPH2O is a demonstration project whose main objective is the scaling-up and implementation of an eco-efficient nature-based tertiary wastewater treatment (BIODAPH) at two demo sites located in water-stressed regions of the Mediterranean area. This system will produce reclaimed water that will contribute to diminishing discharges of pollutants in freshwater ecosystems and promote agricultural reuse.

Technology Overview

The BIODAPH system, previously developed in the Innoqua project (GA 689817), is based on the depuration capacity of biological organisms:

• Water fleas (Daphnia)
• Microalgae
• Biofilms

These organisms are effective in removing pollutants such as nutrients, organic carbon, suspended solids, pathogens, heavy metals, emerging and priority pollutants, and microplastics. This compact and low-energy consumption system does not produce sludge nor use chemicals for its operation.

Implementation in Spain

The implementation of this system at Quart WWTP, Spain, will:

1. Reduce the impact of secondary wastewater discharges in the River Onyar.
2. Improve the chemical and ecological quality of aquatic ecosystems in this river.
3. Allow the standards set in the Water Framework Directive of the EC (Directive 2000/60/EC) to be reached.

Implementation in Greece

In the case of Greece, the BIODAPH system will be implemented adjacent to the Antissa WWTP in Lesvos. This site features modular units of:

• Up flow anaerobic sludge blanket digestion
• Constructed wetlands
• An UV unit

These units are being put into operation as part of the Hydrousa project (GA 776643). The modular treatments will allow the BIODAPH system to be tested in different configurations to obtain reclaimed water in accordance with EU Regulation 2020/741 to irrigate 7,000 m² of nearby agricultural land.

Evaluation and Dissemination

The technical and economic feasibility of the technology will be evaluated, and the results of the BIODAPH2O project will be published, communicated, and disseminated. Finally, the BIODAPH technology will be validated by an ETV verification body, looking forward to its wide replication and exploitation.