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Training doctoral researchers in advanced strategies towards energy-neutral wastewater treatment

Project description

Water treatment and energy sustainability

Water pollution and energy sustainability pose critical challenges. Existing chemical methods for removing key priority pollutants (KPPs) from water are costly and energy-intensive, while conventional biological systems partially address these issues. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the NEUTEN project will pioneer advanced catalytic systems that convert KPPs into energy and energy-dense products, such as hydrochar, alongside improving microbial processes for enhanced pollutant removal and energy carrier generation. NEUTEN will also explore the integration of chemical and biological treatments to create self-sustaining wastewater systems. By incorporating AI tools and market analysis, the project will develop eco-friendly, economically viable business models. Training 15 doctoral candidates through a comprehensive interdisciplinary programme, NEUTEN aims to advance wastewater treatment technologies and bolster the EU’s environmental and economic sustainability.

Objective

NEUTEN pioneers a comprehensive approach to tackle the two most challenging environmental, health and societal issues including water pollution with key priority pollutants (KPPs) and the need for clean and renewable sources of energy. Current chemical treatment technologies developed for the degradation KPPs are mostly energy-intensive and costly. Established biological wastewater treatment systems, e.g. anaerobic digestion, only remove certain KPPs to a limited extent. NEUTEN will innovate in advanced and sustainable catalytic systems for the generation of energy carriers or the conversion of KPPs from wastewater to energy-dense hydrochar (WP1). Manipulation of the microbial consortia and design of highly novel support structures will also enhance renewable energy carrier generation and superior KPP removal efficiencies from anaerobic digestion systems (WP2). Lastly, the integration of both chemical and biological treatment methods will be investigated, with the ultimate goal of achieving self-sustained wastewater treatment systems (WP3). Implementation of artificial intelligence tools and market behaviour analysis allows for the development of business models that are not only environmentally sound but also economically viable (WP4). The project aims to train 15 highly skilled doctoral candidates, providing them with a unique interdisciplinary and intersectoral research training program by a broad consortium, encompassing 18 intersectoral partners (6 academic, 12 non-academic) in 10 countries. The highly relevant field, combined with an advanced training program that encompasses transversal skills and training through research will ensure that highly trained professionals will enter the job market, further strengthening the competitiveness of the EU in this domain. NEUTEN's holistic approach promises to set a new standard in water treatment technologies, with long-term impacts on environmental protection, public health, and economic sustainability.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-DN-01

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Coordinator

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 050 480,00
Address
OUDE MARKT 13
3000 LEUVEN
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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Participants (8)

Partners (10)

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