Innovative and versatile integrated solution to remove contaminants of emerging concern in water treatment systems

Introduction

LIFE PRISTINE project aims to develop the PRISTINE Integrated Solution to remove Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) from water streams. The PRISTINE Integrated Solution will be adaptable on a case-by-case basis for drinking water (DW), to protect humans from CECs, and for wastewater (WW), to protect the environment and remove these contaminants from the water cycle.

Objectives

In opposition to other existing technologies, the PRISTINE Integrated Solution will permanently remove CECs from water, thus directly applying Zero Waste and Circular Economy principles and coming ahead of existing and near future CECs regulations.

Technology Overview

The PRISTINE Integrated Solution is based on the synergistical combination of individual technologies:

1. Encapsulated adsorbent technology
2. Hollow-fibre NF membrane
3. AOP processes (UV-LED combined with ozonation and/or H2O2)

These technologies are controlled and optimized by a Decision Support System fed by AI-based soft-sensors for the online estimation of CECs concentration levels. LIFE PRISTINE will focus on PFAS, pesticides, PPCPs, toxins, antibiotic resistance genes, and microplastics as the main CECs families, designated according to previous studies in the two demo sites and existing literature.

Performance Goals

LIFE PRISTINE's goal is to effectively remove over 80% of every CEC in WW and DW scenarios, going further if requested by existing legislation. Furthermore, the PRISTINE Integrated Solution will be cost-effective, with a 30% lower OpEx cost compared to comparable technologies.

Demonstration

The PRISTINE Integrated Solution will be demonstrated in DW and WW representative scenarios during a year each, allowing the technology to reach a TRL7.

Dissemination and Communication

Dissemination and communication actions of LIFE PRISTINE will focus on raising public awareness regarding the use and fate of CECs. This will serve as the background and support for new policies and legislation to protect EU citizens and their environment in the near future.