WP1:
• First experimental campaigns completed for all pre-treatment technologies: ultrasound, microwave-assisted HTC, electrochemical treatment, and thermal/torrefaction processes.
• Optimal operating conditions for pollutant removal
• Analytical workflows for micropollutant detection in sludge refined, especially methods for PFAS in complex matrices.
• Initial results show promising removal efficiencies for PFAS, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, pesticides and microplastics.
• Common challenges identified: matrix complexity, analytical limitations, and need to address potential formation of toxic by-products.
• All DCs completed first round of experiments and defined plans for next phase.
Main achievements:
• Validation of feasibility of four non-chemical, energy-driven pre-treatment concepts.
• First proof of concept results for pollutant degradation and removal in realistic sludge matrices.
• Harmonised experimental protocols and analytical workflows across partners.
WP2:
• Anaerobic fermentation studies performed using the pesticide Diuron; adaptation of microbial communities monitored over time.
• Inhibition trials, VFA/methane productivity and stress response analysed; metagenomic characterisation planned next.
• Assessment of biodegradable plastic bags under AD conditions completed at mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures; digestate quality and biogas yield studied.
• First production and characterisation of sludge-derived biochar achieved and batch digestion assays started.
• DCs engaged in courses, conferences, and collaboration activities.
Main achievements:
• Initial demonstration that sludge-associated pollutants (pesticides, plastics) can be addressed without compromising bioconversion performance.
• Insights into microbial behaviour, inhibition, and adaptation dynamics under realistic sludge conditions.
• First step towards engineered microbial consortia and optimised reactor operations.
WP3:
• Foundational work started for ecotoxicity, environmental impact assessment and modelling of treatment scenarios.
• First results for biosensor concept using Indicator Displacement Assays for multipollutant detection and toxicity screening.
• Limitations in real sludge matrices identified and strategies for improving selectivity defined.
• Embryotoxicity, endocrine disruption and toxicity assays applied across a full-scale WWTP; persistence of endocrine-active compounds observed in sludge streams.
• Database creation and sample characterisation underway for sludge and sludge-derived products (physicochemical properties, pollutants, toxicity, nutrient value).
• LCA models for AD and THP developed and compared; environmental hotspots and advantages mapped.
• First version of multi-criteria decision-making framework drafted.
Main achievements:
• Strong methodological foundation for a combined environmental-techno-economic decision support tool.
• Multi-layer data integration platform established: analytical, toxicological, agricultural and socio-economic dimensions.
