The work performed within 5 research work packages and obtained results are the following:
The two different denitrifying systems were operated: i) one novel biological treatment with biomass enriched with nitrite-dependent denitrification coupled to anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO); ii) a more conventional process using heterotrophic denitrifying biomass which was obtained from an activated sludge reactor.
Two passive dosing tools were developed.
The energy requirement of a microbial community under oxic and oligotrophic conditions, as well as the biotransformation of OMPs by different microbial communities adapted to different carbon sources under oligotrophic and oxic conditions has been evaluated.
Two distinct cold atmospheric plasma sources (1-pin electrode and 3-pin electrode-APPJ) serving as a chemical-free advanced oxidation processes were optimized for the treatment of model contaminants. The electrical and optical properties of both plasma sources were investigated. Elucidation of chemical reactions in plasma and transformation pathways responsible for degradation of recalcitrant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been concluded. The methodology for PBT risk assessment for PFAS, elaboration of the prioritization list, predictions based on PBT properties, evaluation and calculation of the toxicity of PFAS parent compounds and their possible transformation products have been conducted.
The evaluation of UV-LED-based photolysis and photocatalysis for the removal of pharmaceuticals from water continued using the optimal lab-scale photoreactor design has been performed. A full-factorial design using 4 independent variables (water matrix, duty cycle, light wavelength, and presence of TiO2) showed that the fastest pollutant degradation was obtained either for UV-A photocatalysis or UV-C photolysis, depending on the target compound.
Modified adsorbents, based on natural zeolite – clinoptilolite and nano magnetite particles, have been tested for the removal of OMPs. Plasma treatment of zeolite was tested as a perspective technique for modification and improvement of adsorption properties.
Feasibility studies of catalytic composites with superparamagnetic properties has been performed. Composites were based on magnetite nanoparticles in combination with a biocatalyst or a photocatalyst component. The explored photocatalytic components were based on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Several types of novel photocatalyst have been synthesized and characterized: (i) nitrogen-doped TiO2 (N/ TiO2) composites modified with with GO and rGO and (ii) the sandwich-type composite included TiO2 and α-Fe2O3 with different layer configurations. Photocatalytic activity under solar irradiation of the prepared composites was assessed by treating targeted pharmaceutical compounds in the presence and absence of additional oxidants; hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and persulfate (S2O82-).
The enhancement of OMP removal efficiencies in MBR coupled to PAC systems, assessment of the impact of graphene oxide (GO) addition an anaerobic reactor in a systematic fed-batch study, application of a hybrid ultrasonic systems (US) for PFAS degradation, and to design a hybrid process where catalytic ozonation and membrane filtration are combined in order to increase the efficiency of organic micropollutants (OMP) removal in wastewater tertiary treatment´
A report summarizing gained knowledge and performing a comparative assessment of novel technologies with an appropriate benchmark technology has been delivered.
An overview of the road to market of all ESR projects is prepared including a concise business model canvas.
