Contamination of drinking-water is an urgent health concern, preferentially in rural areas and highly related with the poor and vulnerable population (infants, children, pregnant and elderly people) that requires a single, easy to handle and low-cost solution able to decrease the levels of pathogens, chemical and radiological hazards to tolerable levels in a single and simple pot (from a sorbent on a glass to a more powerful cold plasma technology).
Furthermore, recent evidences of climate change, natural disasters (for instance in Asian countries) and the actual war in Ukraine urges a fast solution due to the development of new epidemies quickly spreading through drinking-water and the re-establishment of old ones (e.g.,malaria). However, the complexity of these contaminants including organic/inorganic species, cationic/anionic species, different size and shape, etc.,requires a multicomponent system and/or device, in the form of a tablet or monolith, able to tackle specifically each of these hazards at once. In addition, this multicomponent system has to be synthesized and/or modified to be biocompatible so that it can also be used as a dietary complement to mitigate/remove all these hazards in human body (as enterosorbent). Based on these premises, the main goal of the CLEANWATER project is the design and development of a multicomponent sorbents prepared by combination of properly designed inorganic materials (e.g. activated carbons, bone-chars, pectins, among others) able to eliminate these contaminants in drinking water in a single pot or in combination with cold plasma for complete destruction. Furthermore, this sorbent will be modified accordingly to be applied in human body as a dietary complement to remove these species once assimilated in the body.
This project aims to achieve significant scientific, technological, economic and societal advancements through the development of an innovative cold plasma-based water treatment system and novel adsorbent materials.
The project will generate original data in multiple fields, including the synthesis of novel adsorbents, cold plasma engineering, and the optimization of combined plasma-adsorption processes. Key innovations include the development of adsorbents with tailored structures and hybrid materials capable of removing a wide range of pollutants. Additionally, a 3D plasma reactor will be designed to enhance water treatment efficiency. The project aims to publish at least 20 high-impact scientific papers with open access, following Horizon Europe policies.
The project is expected to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2/3, with a goal of achieving TRL 7 within 2–4 years after completion. An exploitation plan will be established to support the commercialization of the technology, securing additional funding. This innovation will provide cost-effective water treatment solutions for industries such as pharmaceuticals and beverage production. In the long term, the technology could also be applied to wastewater treatment.
Access to clean drinking water remains a global challenge, particularly for low-income communities. This project proposes affordable and efficient solutions that can be implemented in households and schools, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases. By alleviating the burden of water collection—often carried out by women and girls—the project contributes to closing the gender gap. In collaboration with Ukrainian NGOs, it will also address gender inequalities in water access and explore strategies for implementing the technology in developing countries.
Overall, this project seeks to make a meaningful impact in science, technology and society by promoting equitable and sustainable access to clean water.
