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InteGRated systems for Effective ENvironmEntal Remediation

Descripción del proyecto

Unas bacterias «eléctricas» eliminan los residuos y generan electricidad

Los procesos industriales modernos han provocado una contaminación generalizada del suelo y el agua por todo el planeta que puede afectar gravemente los ecosistemas y la salud humana. Los esfuerzos por descontaminar o remediar estos lugares son caros, complejos y consumen mucha energía. La biorremediación, que emplea microbios como las bacterias y los hongos para descomponer los contaminantes tóxicos en sustancias inocuas, es menos cara y más sostenible que otras alternativas de remediación. La iniciativa GREENER está desarrollando una solución híbrida de bajo coste que integra la biorremediación con la tecnología de la pila de combustible microbiana. Estos microbios con actividad eléctrica no solo limpian, sino que también producen electricidad.

Objetivo

Increasing chemical pollution seriously compromises the health of ecosystems and humans worldwide. Hazardous compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and emerging pollutants contaminate soils/sediments, ground and surface waters. To prevent/minimise the risks associated with the accumulations of these chemicals in the environment it is key to establish low-cost/green methodologies for the treatment and redevelopment of contaminated areas. Several physico-chemical methods have been explored to remove pollutants in the environment, but these are complex, energy consuming or expensive. The exploitation of the capability of bacteria, fungi and phototrophs to transform toxic contaminants into harmless end-products, can lead instead to cheap and sustainable bioremediation alternatives.
GREENER proposes the development of innovative, efficient and low-cost hybrid solutions that integrate bioremediation technologies with bio-electrochemical systems (BES). BES, such as microbial fuel cells, break down organic contaminants through the action of electroactive bacteria while generating electrical current. We will investigate the synergetic effect of different bioremediation strategies and demonstrate effective pollutants removal in water and soil/sediments, while generating side products of interest, such as bioelectricity. The type and entity of contamination, along with the specific physico-chemical/microbial characteristics of the environment to be depolluted, will feed into a decision-making toolbox. The latter will allow the establishment of ad hoc integrated solutions, which will take into account effectiveness of biodegradation, costs, environmental risks and social aspects. Fundamental research will be performed at lab-scale, while pilot-tests will be used to proof the scaling-up feasibility for field applications. Environmental benefits and risks, compared to standard remediation approaches, including energy efficiency, will be investigated.

Convocatoria de propuestas

H2020-NMBP-TR-IND-2018-2020

Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria

Convocatoria de subcontratación

H2020-NMBP-BIO-CN-2018

Régimen de financiación

RIA - Research and Innovation action

Coordinador

UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS
Aportación neta de la UEn
€ 602 036,50
Dirección
HOSPITAL DEL REY
09001 Burgos
España

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Región
Centro (ES) Castilla y León Burgos
Tipo de actividad
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Enlaces
Coste total
€ 654 036,50

Participantes (23)