An optical sensing technology utilizing mid-infrared sensors to detect DBPs in water was developed and optimized. A review identified key water quality parameters (WQPs) influencing DBP generation. A tailored sensing device was assembled to measure these WQPs, and probabilistic models were applied to correlate them with DBP formation, leading to a predictive sensing infrastructure. The relationship between DBPs and NOM is particularly important. A web-based platform (DBPFinder) was developed. This tool helps with the optimization of the sensing infrastructure placement along the drinking water distribution system (DWDS).
Advances were made in developing a Digital Central Knowledge Base (CKB) focused on user-friendly interfaces and adherence to FAIR data principles. The CKB is tailored to operators, researchers, and regulators, incorporating feedback from stakeholders. CKB is crucial for results exploitation and public engagement. Moreover, it was connected to the sensing devices that were deployed in the Águas de Coimbra DWDS.
A review and survey ranked DBPs by hazard potential using TOPSIS. The top-ranked DBPS ecotoxicity and cytotoxicity were assessed, filling the gap in the lack of toxicity profiling of DBPs in the literature. International drinking water practices and EU directives were compared, and the impact of climate change on drinking water quality was discussed. Several workshops with key stakeholders and water sector experts addressed unregulated DBP families, monitoring methods, risk management, and legislative gaps. The data gathered outlined a list of prevention and correction measures to ensure drinking water quality. This list is highly relevant for the different stakeholders operating in the drinking water sector. Hydraulic modelling, including chlorine decay kinetics, was performed. The model developed can help the water utility to optimize the rechlorination strategy along the DWDS, reducing the amount of chlorine used and the DBPs formed.
Intermittent chlorine dosing was studied to reduce chlorine usage and prevent DBPs production. The use of UV was crucial to ensure a correct disinfection while reducing the amount of DBPs formed. Parallelly, advanced remediation technologies evaluated for DBP precursors and DBPs removal include aerogels, activated carbon, magnetic bio-activated carbon, and advanced oxidation processes involving several catalysts. Batch tests identified promising materials that were tested in continuous operation at lab scale. A pilot-unit was designed, assembled, and operated, validating the interesting results obtained at the lab-scale.
The LCA and LCC results show that the new water treatment and disinfection technologies developed within H2OforAll framework had no negative impact on the sustainability performance of the water treatment plant. Moreover, when a new functionality including the water quality was applied, it is seen that the sustainability performance of the plant increases 23 to 30% for some impact categories.
A social study was performed to engage citizens and create awareness regarding water quality and prevention measures. An app was developed to help people understand the DBPs problems and the behaviours that prevent water contamination. Activities for children were also developed, leading to an educational kit. The results of H2OforAll led to 3 policy-briefs including recommendations on prevention measures to tackle the DBPs problem and improve drinking water quality. The project key exploitable results description and technical briefs on the technologies developed are available in h2oforal.eu.
