Symbiotic, circular bioremediation systems and biotechnology solutions for improved environmental, economic and social sustainability in pollution control

Project Information

SYMBIOREM

Grant agreement ID: 101060361

DOI

10.3030/101060361

EC signature date 2 June 2022

Start date 1 September 2022

End date 30 November 2026

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 4 735 793,75

EU contribution

€ 4 735 793,75

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAIS VASCO/ EUSKAL HERRIKO UNIBERTSITATEA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SYMBIOREM (Symbiotic, circular bioremediation systems and biotechnology solutions for improved environmental, economic and social sustainability in pollution control)

Reporting period: 2024-03-01 to 2025-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The SYMBIOREM project is a research initiative focused on bioremediation. Set against the backdrop of a world grappling with environmental challenges, the project’s primary objective is to develop innovative solutions for bioremediation, a process that uses natural organisms to neutralize pollutants in the environment. It addresses urgent environmental pollution by harnessing plant-microorganism symbiosis. With escalating threats to biodiversity and human health, it aims to restore ecosystems by leveraging symbiotic relationships to break down pollutants. This project stems from the pressing need to combat pollution's adverse effects on nature and society.

It tackles pollution in five types of environments:

1. Industrial Brownfields left contaminated in Spain, Austria and Poland.
2. Mixed Solid Waste Landfills pollutants that can leach into soil and groundwater in Spain.
3. Urban Diffuse Pollution of Surface Water Bodies such as road runoff and sewer overflow degrading freshwater ecosystems in London, Wroclaw (Poland) and Lake Orta (Italy).
4. Agricultural Drainage which involves pollution from excess nutrients in agricultural runoff, leading to issues like eutrophication and sediment buildup: Lake Kierskie (Poland) and Central Valley (California).
5. Marine Sediments involving large-scale contamination, degrading coastal ecosystems in the Baltic Sea (Stockholm Archipelago).

SYMBIOREM explores reusing cleaned soil, water, nutrients, and metals, engaging citizens and stakeholders in site assessment, sample collection, and analysis. It fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership by publishing technical guides and creating materials for citizen engagement. Ensuring safety, it combines technical measures with community participation and education to safeguard bioremediation sites for humans and wildlife.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

SYMBIOREM is a multi-scenario project addressing soil, water, and sediment environments. With respect to soils, the project has not only selected and characterized different soil types and their associated microbial communities, but has also developed a set of innovative strategies for bioremediation. Approaches such as bioaugmentation through microorganism encapsulation have been evaluated at laboratory scale, while biostimulation strategies involving micro-amendments or water-absorbing geocomposites have been tested at pilot scale. Additionally, mesocosm-scale experiments on electro-stimulated phytoremediation have yielded highly promising results. As of water and sediment remediation, the recovery of metals and phosphates from the Baltic Sea have achieved successful outcomes. Similarly, mesocosm-scale investigations into the remediation potential of mussels have provided valuable insights into their effectiveness. Following laboratory trials, floating islands have been deployed and are currently generating valuable performance data. Furthermore, life cycle assessments (LCA) and cost–benefit analyses have guided the optimization and future direction of these developments. Finally, citizen science initiatives conducted across three locations have successfully fostered public awareness and engagement with SYMBIOREM’s innovations. In parallel, stakeholder activities have demonstrated a strong interest in the project’s approaches and outcomes, underscoring the relevance and societal value of SYMBIOREM’s research.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

SYMBIOREM's potential impact is significant, promising a paradigm shift in pollution control and environmental restoration, benefiting ecosystems worldwide for future generations.It is dedicated to advancing bioremediation methods for various polluted environments, from research to field implementation. It offers sustainable, cost-effective pollution control through science-backed, bio-based solutions, aiming to mitigate biodiversity loss and ecosystem damage. By discovering new microbial strains and efficient remediation technologies, it minimizes waste and restores ecosystems with local species. Embracing circular economy principles, it aims to recover 20 products from residues and improve pollution threat assessments, engaging citizens in research and awareness efforts. Through robust assessments and dissemination, it overcomes resistance to technical solutions, fostering resource conservation and pollution mitigation. Ultimately, it seeks to revolutionize pollution control, contributing significantly to environmental science and ensuring a healthier planet for present and future generations. Its holistic approach not only addresses pollution challenges but also promotes sustainable practices and community involvement, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving environmental restoration and long-term ecological balance preservation.

Research advanced bio-based materials for remediation and microbial strategies for phosphorus recovery (TRL 3–5). Work on deployable hydrogels and nanogels, supported by a comprehensive review of biodegradable natural hydrogels, linked polymer chemistry and network architecture to enhanced soil remediation through improved water retention, pollutant sorption, and sustained nutrient delivery. Experimental optimisation of operational parameters strengthened microbial performance under varying redox and substrate conditions, improving biostimulation and bioaugmentation efficiency (TRL 4–5). Studies on anaerobic microbial consortia elucidated electron-transfer mechanisms and syntrophic pathways driving phosphorus transformation and recovery (TRL 3–4). A marine sediment “phosphorus mining’’ investigation assessed carbon and nitrogen dosing to mobilise and recycle phosphorus while limiting co-mobilisation of other elements. Advances in water-dispersible chitosan nanogels yielded stable, efficient carriers for contaminant binding and controlled release, enhancing dispersion and compatibility for in situ remediation (TRL 3–4).

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