Circular and Bio-Based Solutions for the Ultimate Prevention of Plastics in Rivers Integrated with Elimination And Monitoring Technologies

Project Information

UPSTREAM

Grant agreement ID: 101112877

DOI

10.3030/101112877

EC signature date 21 May 2023

Start date 1 September 2023

End date 31 August 2027

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 7 958 026,65

EU contribution

€ 7 024 032,90

Coordinated by

FUNDACION AITIIP
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - UPSTREAM (Circular and Bio-Based Solutions for the Ultimate Prevention of Plastics in Rivers Integrated with Elimination And Monitoring Technologies)

Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2025-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The increasing presence of litter, plastics, and microplastics is causing further deterioration of European rivers. Consequently, it is necessary to develop new methods to control, prevent, and eliminate this pollution. The EU-funded UPSTREAM project is dedicated to addressing the challenges associated with monitoring, preventing, eliminating, and recycling litter, plastics, and microplastics. The project will showcase 14 solutions implemented at five European demonstration sites. These sites include four wastewater treatment plants connected to seven rivers in five countries, as well as a testing area on the Danube in Serbia. Additionally, the project will facilitate the creation of an extensive database of knowledge and sustainable business models, with a focus on ensuring wide accessibility to this information. Replication across Europe will be enhanced by EUR 300k allocated in cascade funding.

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

The work carried out in the M1 to M18 period has progressed very well and has centred on the following technical WP activities.
In the first eighteen months, WP1 delivered a unified framework for surveying and analyzing litter, plastics, and microplastics. Through standardized sampling protocols, shared analytical methods, and the creation of a central data platform, the project laid the groundwork for robust multi-site monitoring. Concurrently, WP2 is tackling upstream prevention at lab scale by designing novel bio-based and biodegradable polymers (e.g. PHA blends) to replace conventional plastics in cosmetic and wastewater applications, and it is being tested cutting-edge microfiltration and microfluidic extraction methods, chemical conversion process to breakdown MPs, physical/mechanical plastic and litter elimination technologies and recycling methods, paving the way for more efficient removal of pollutants at later demonstration stages.
Moving on to large-scale applications, WP3 is preparing pilot sites in both wastewater treatment facilities and riverine environments by finalizing technical designs and manufacturing components for integrated prevention and removal systems. Examples include cellulose recovery units, a nature-based process using Daphnia to consume microplastics, and a solar-powered floating platform to eliminate litter from river surfaces. In parallel, WP4 is developing a holistic evaluation framework, integrating a digital value chain model and life cycle assessments to gauge the technologies’ environmental, economic, and social benefits. This approach ensures each solution’s viability while spotlighting improvement areas and synergies among the different technologies."

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)

UPSTREAM is currently in M18, and thus the activites are partially completed. By the end of the project, UPSTREAM expect to have the following KERs and ERs:
➢ KER1: Rapid MP detection method based on fluorescent dyes
➢ KER2: P and L drone monitoring and mapping system incorporating AI-based digital image processing
➢ KER3: Standardised analytical protocols based on µFTIR and Pyr-GC-MS for MP detection and monitoring
➢ KER4: Fast protocols for screening leachable micropollutants
➢ KER5: New drop-in bio-based, biodegradable plastics that prevent the formation of MP
➢ KER6: System for combined cellulose/MP removal from sludge after the primary treatment stage at WWTPs to remove circa 98% of MP by mass
➢ KER7: Membrane-based system for the removal of MP after the secondary treatment stage at WWTPs.
➢ KER8: Nature-based MP filtration system based on Daphnia waterfleas for use after WWTP treatment stages
➢ KER9: ""Concentrate-&-degrade"" AOP system after tertiary treatment at WWTPs to capture and photodegrade highly toxic low molecular weight plasticizers (pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls) released from MP
➢ KER10: Radical-based UV AOP process for the destruction of PFAS, halogenated flame retardants, UVblockers, solvents, and other micropollutants from water
➢ KER11: Wasser 3.0 PE-X® process to remove 95% of the MP load from WWTP effluents at 20% of the CAPEX of mainstream alternatives
➢ KER12: Boaxt system integrated with microfluidic technology for collection of micro, meso, and macro plastics and litter from the river surface
➢ KER13: TOC system for collection of P and L from the river surface and riverbed, powered by solar panels
➢ KER14: Separation and recycling technology to valorise collected MP, P, and L into value-added monomers
➢ KER15: Biotechnology process to produce PHA (bioplastic) from monomers of collected P and MP Associated with document Ref. Ares(2023)3469631 - 17/05/2023 [101112877] [UPSTREAM] – Part B Page 4 of 38 Part B
➢ ER1: LCA, TEA, and social impact assessments
➢ ER2: Sustainable-by-design business models
➢ ER3: Empower new generation of citizens/industries to understand the needs of remediations for MP pollutions and the state-of-the-art alternatives proposed in USPTREAM through communication platforms
➢ ER4: Improved circular economy system implementation services by including river littering monitoring,
prevention and collection technological and non-technological solutions"

Roll up

Leaflet part B

Leaflet part A