Periodic Reporting for period 1 - intoDBP (INNOVATIVE TOOLS TO CONTROL ORGANIC MATTER AND DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS IN DRINKING WATER)
Reporting period: 2022-12-01 to 2024-05-31
The intoDBP project addresses the critical issue of DBPs in drinking water. Its goal is to develop and validate innovative tools and strategies to minimize human exposure to DBPs while ensuring effective disinfection. The project focuses on advanced monitoring, treatment technologies, and digital water solutions to improve water quality management from source to tap. intoDBP aims to protect catchments, predict DBP formation, and enhance treatment processes by integrating state-of-the-art sensors and predictive algorithms for real-time monitoring and control. The project also considers the impacts of climate change on water quality, providing scalable solutions applicable across Europe and beyond.
intoDBP generates interdisciplinary solutions drawing on analytical chemistry, ecology, microbiology, engineering, modelling, epidemiology, and social science. The integration of forecasting and tools across the water cycle will provide a renewed perspective of drinking water surveillance and increase system resilience. The project is being implemented through four case studies in three European countries, addressing DBPs as a scientific, technological, and political challenge. These studies will also assess climate change adaptation measures contributing to the UN SDG-6.
Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) play a crucial role in the project by increasing the understanding of human exposure to DBPs in the EU population, considering the gender dimension in the context of global change. This helps generate models and recommendations for policymaking and decision-making in Europe. Societal engagement will be achieved through surveys to assess DBP exposure and gather insights on public attitudes and behaviors regarding water quality.
intoDBP generates interdisciplinary solutions drawing on analytical chemistry, ecology, microbiology, engineering, modelling, epidemiology, and social science. The integration of forecasting and tools across the water cycle will provide a renewed perspective of drinking water surveillance and increase system resilience. The project is being implemented through four case studies in three European countries, addressing DBPs as a scientific, technological, and political challenge. These studies will also assess climate change adaptation measures contributing to the UN SDG-6.
Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) play a crucial role in the project by increasing the understanding of human exposure to DBPs in the EU population, considering the gender dimension in the context of global change. This helps generate models and recommendations for policymaking and decision-making in Europe. Societal engagement will be achieved through surveys to assess DBP exposure and gather insights on public attitudes and behaviors regarding water quality.
WP1- MANAGE: Organisation of project and steering committee meetings, regular WP and WP Leaders meetings and establishment of an internal quality control system. Creation of Case Study Boards (CSBs) with annual meetings in Spain, Cyprus, and Ireland. Submission of the Data Management Plan D1.1.
WP2 - SENSORS: Development of a methodology for sampling and analysis (D2.1) algorithms for predicting DBP formation from UV-VIS sensors (D2.2) and a fluorescence-based tool for real-time measurements (D2.3). Conduction of sampling campaigns across CS sites. The developments of bioreporters and an HRMS fingerprinting workflow are in progress. Detailed communication protocols for bioreporter sensors were specified.
WP3 - DISTRIBUTION: Identification of modelling tools and strategies for optimal control of DBPs in water distribution network (D3.1). Deployment of automated monitoring systems in Limassol CS (D3.2) and development of a preliminary software tool for modelling DBP transformations in the WDN.
WP4 - TREATMENT: Conduction of a review of DBP minimization strategies (D4.1).Design of drawings and diagrams of the MITO3X® technology for adding a pre-oxidant to minimize DBPs (Barcelona and Limassol CS) and optimizing monochloramine generation (Madrid CS). MITO3X® pilot plant with the integration of fluoro-absorbance tool was fabricated, assembled, and tested in Italy, then shipped to the Madrid DWTP.
WP5 - SOURCE: Development of modelling workflows for predicting DOM changes in source waters using the INCA-C model and FLARE framework. Implementation of the INCA-C model in the Sau Reservoir case study, integrating seasonal climate forecasts. Pre-processing of historical climate data from five GCMs and three climate change scenarios. Creation of source protection strategies to evaluate climate change impacts on drinking water quality.
WP6 - EXPOSURE: Development and execution of surveys in Barcelona, Cyprus, and Ireland on water consumption preferences and DBP exposure. Collection of data on historical DBP levels and physicochemical parameters, focusing on THMs, HAAs, and other DBPs. Creation of conceptual models for emerging DBPs and evaluation associations between DBP levels, climate variables, and human exposure.
WP7 - IPR: Creation of IPR agreement, update of the Background IP and organization of Innovation Committee meetings.
WP2 - SENSORS: Development of a methodology for sampling and analysis (D2.1) algorithms for predicting DBP formation from UV-VIS sensors (D2.2) and a fluorescence-based tool for real-time measurements (D2.3). Conduction of sampling campaigns across CS sites. The developments of bioreporters and an HRMS fingerprinting workflow are in progress. Detailed communication protocols for bioreporter sensors were specified.
WP3 - DISTRIBUTION: Identification of modelling tools and strategies for optimal control of DBPs in water distribution network (D3.1). Deployment of automated monitoring systems in Limassol CS (D3.2) and development of a preliminary software tool for modelling DBP transformations in the WDN.
WP4 - TREATMENT: Conduction of a review of DBP minimization strategies (D4.1).Design of drawings and diagrams of the MITO3X® technology for adding a pre-oxidant to minimize DBPs (Barcelona and Limassol CS) and optimizing monochloramine generation (Madrid CS). MITO3X® pilot plant with the integration of fluoro-absorbance tool was fabricated, assembled, and tested in Italy, then shipped to the Madrid DWTP.
WP5 - SOURCE: Development of modelling workflows for predicting DOM changes in source waters using the INCA-C model and FLARE framework. Implementation of the INCA-C model in the Sau Reservoir case study, integrating seasonal climate forecasts. Pre-processing of historical climate data from five GCMs and three climate change scenarios. Creation of source protection strategies to evaluate climate change impacts on drinking water quality.
WP6 - EXPOSURE: Development and execution of surveys in Barcelona, Cyprus, and Ireland on water consumption preferences and DBP exposure. Collection of data on historical DBP levels and physicochemical parameters, focusing on THMs, HAAs, and other DBPs. Creation of conceptual models for emerging DBPs and evaluation associations between DBP levels, climate variables, and human exposure.
WP7 - IPR: Creation of IPR agreement, update of the Background IP and organization of Innovation Committee meetings.
The intoDBP project has significantly advanced the state of the art in water quality monitoring and treatment technologies. Scientific advancements include developing green analytical methods for volatile DBP analysis and innovative sensor-based prediction of DBPs using fluorescence and UV-VIS algorithms. These advancements provide real-time, accurate data for better water quality management. The project has also optimized sensor deployment tools and published research on upgrading water treatment to comply with EU DBP standards. Developing a catchment Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) framework and ongoing assessment of climate data and water quality are essential for understanding and mitigating global and climate change impacts on drinking water.
Technological and economic advancements include developing a fluorescence online sensor integrated into the MITO3X® platform to optimize monochloramine generation and minimize DBP formation. SCAN's algorithms for predicting DBP formation potential from UV-VIS spectra expand the application of these sensors to new markets. The MITO3X® pilot plant, equipped with fluorescence sensors, has been shipped to Madrid CS. Collaborative discussions with industrial partners will define process conditions for the installation of the MITO3X® pilot plant for pre-oxidation in Cyprus.
Survey data analysis in WP6 will enhance knowledge of DBP human exposure, providing insights into public attitudes and behaviors regarding water quality.
Technological and economic advancements include developing a fluorescence online sensor integrated into the MITO3X® platform to optimize monochloramine generation and minimize DBP formation. SCAN's algorithms for predicting DBP formation potential from UV-VIS spectra expand the application of these sensors to new markets. The MITO3X® pilot plant, equipped with fluorescence sensors, has been shipped to Madrid CS. Collaborative discussions with industrial partners will define process conditions for the installation of the MITO3X® pilot plant for pre-oxidation in Cyprus.
Survey data analysis in WP6 will enhance knowledge of DBP human exposure, providing insights into public attitudes and behaviors regarding water quality.