Aquaticpollutants

Reduction and assessment of antimicrobial resistance and emerging pollutants in natural-based water treatment systems

The main goal of the REWA project is the strategic development and implementation of sustainable and cost-effective technologies for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), metals, pathogens including antimicrobial resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from water. The scientific and technological aims are to demonstrate 1) new concept in surface water treatment based on state-of-the-art methods (nanocomposites coagoflocculation and pathogens removal, photocatalysis oriented to visible light catalysts, and tailor-adapted sorbents), 2) sewage effluent polishing with biosorbents and carbon-based nanomaterials, 3) the use of biocoagulants for metal-rich effluents. The efficiencies of the treatment steps for removal of CECs and antibiotic resistance (ARGs, mobile genetic elements and bacteria) will be assessed. Mitigation of selection pressures for antibiotic resistance/co-selection potentials will be investigated. Special attention will be given to the raising of awareness via various channels and to the education by developing training material including an e-learning course. This project relates to “Theme 3 – Taking actions” by developing new approaches to combat antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments. REWA consortium brings together four RTDs and associate partners providing a multi-disciplinary approach with expertise on water engineering, chemistry, materials’ synthesis and microbial ecology.

Keywords

surface water, sewage effluent, metal-rich effluent, antibiotic resistance, co-selection, sustainable water treatment, contaminants of emerging concern

Achievements so far

The REWA project has made significant progress during its term to date. Trials have explored laundry wastewater reuse and algae removal using clay-polymer nanocomposites, with promising results. Photocatalytic trials achieved up to 95% removal of contaminants such as carbamazepine and BPS in minutes. Adsorption matrices effectively removed BPA/BPS, while biosorbents showed high adsorption of antibiotics. Photocatalysts efficiently degraded CECs. Quebracho biocoagulant successfully removed vanadium from mining wastewater. Aeromonas spp. emerged as water quality indicators. A REWA workshop facilitated stakeholder collaboration and knowledge sharing. REWA aims to develop sustainable solutions to reduce antimicrobial resistance and assess the impact of water treatment on emerging contaminants.

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