Innovation in Wastewater Treatment and the Circular Economy
The AQUAHUB project “Boosting Water Quality, Sustainability and the Circular Economy through a Madrid-based Hub for Innovative Technological Solutions” represents a revolution in wastewater treatment through advanced technology and a focus on the circular economy.
AQUAHUB implements innovative solutions that integrate various technologies to optimise wastewater treatment and maximise resource recovery. The Anaerobic Membrane Reactor (AnMBR) is especially noteworthy as it eliminates up to 90% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), produces high-quality biogas, and generates water suitable for fertigation, in addition to recovering essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen.
Tertiary treatment and water regeneration are key aspects of the project, successfully eliminating up to 99% of emerging contaminants and microplastics. Thermal waste recovery converts sludge and other waste into biochar that can be used as s fertiliser.
The production and improvement of biomethane, with a purity of over 95%, is another crucial element, making it suitable for injection into natural gas networks. Furthermore, AQUAHUB is committed to digitalisation and artificial intelligence through a smart data management system that uses predictive models and digital twins to optimise processes and anticipate operational issues.
Objectives
This project seeks to transform environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities. It aims to improve public-private cooperation in R&D&I and support technological innovation projects in the Community of Madrid.
AQUAHUB contributes to closing the water cycle and offers a viable alternative in areas with water stress, reducing the environmental footprint, promoting energy sustainability and supporting the circular economy by transforming waste into useful products such as fertilisers.
Participating entities
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The AQUAHUB Project represents a revolution in wastewater treatment through advanced biotechnology and a focus on the circular economy. This focus not only aligns with the benefits of biotechnology, but also offers a viable alternative in areas with water stress, reducing the environmental footprint, promoting energy sustainability and transforming waste into useful products such as fertilisers. To learn more about what we do in this area, other biotech projects and relevant news, we encourage you to visit our specific section on AgroTech and BioTech.