Gianluigi Buttiglieri, scientific manager of demEAUmed project, explains that a broad variety of technologies were tested during demEAUmed demonstration stage. They were successfully integrated and the synergies among them as well as their feasibility as combined treatments were evaluated.
Gianluigi Buttiglieri

Results obtained for the primary treatment technologies in the greywater line (i.e. SmartAir MBR, vertECO, SPEF) were above expectations in output water quality and continuous operation robustness, also for the micropollutants. The integration of Plimmer technology provided a high cost-effective alternative for further treating greywater streams which potential reuse would require low conductivity values. As a whole the greywater treatment line was able to remove 95%, 97%, 89% and 71% of conductivity, suspended solids, organic content (COD) and Nitrogen (TN) respectively and, additionally, several pharmaceutical active and endocrine disrupting compounds.

Swimming pool water treatment line, conformed by UVOX technology, accomplished a full validation for treating swimming pool water, bringing UVOX closer to being a marketable solution with competitive costs, low maintenance and improved performance when compared to current existing solutions.

An integrated assessment including the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the innovative technological solution developed in demEAUmed project has been undertaken by consortium partners under the leadership of the Sustainability Division of LEITAT.

The assessment analyses demEAUmed technologies in terms of environmental impacts (e.g. carbon footprint, water scarcity, energy demand, pollutant removal eco-efficiency) in order to provide environmental improvement measures and indications of their applicability in real case scenarios as well as the cost. Two different water cycles have been studied: greywater line and wastewater line (combining greywater with blackwater from the toilets and kitchen water). In addition, social impacts and the perception of demEAUmed project on society have been assessed.

Results

The following images and tables summarizes the environmental impacts and cost of the different configurations demonstrated under demEAUmed project.

The cooperation among demEAUmed partners has been proven to be very fruitful, not only in terms of sharing best practices and the integration of the 8 technologies within the demonstration site at Samba hotel, but beyond that.

To this end, the spin-off company blue carex phytotechnologies GmbH has been established. Principal among these innovations is the building integrated vertical ecosystem, which we call vertECO®, which was optimised and validated during the course of demEAUmed project. This spin-off will also include UVOX technologies (from WAPURE International) and Radtke Biotechnik consultancy services in its portfolio of products it intends to commercialize in selected European markets, with a focus on Mediterranean countries. Complimentary technologies from Idropan Dell’Orto Depuratori, like Plimmer or Ozone sterilisation, will also be part of the offered solution portfolio.

Science Week in Madrid is one of Europe's most important scientific events. Its main objective is to make science and technology more accessible to the general public.

It actually takes place over two weeks, and will include over 500 activities in different cities, town and villages in the Region of Madrid: open days, film series, workshops, exhibitions, conferences, guided tours, excursions, etc. This programme aims to facilitate awareness among the general public of a wide variety of today's scientific issues, such as energy policy and the latest advances in astronomy, communications and robotics, for example. Around 200 organisations will take part in this informative festival, ranging from foundations and universities to museums, NGOs and research centres.