Wastewater treatment processes for nutrient and micropollutant removal - IM
In close collaboration with Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) and local companies, we develop innovative solutions for the removal of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, as well as trace-level contaminants (microcontaminants).
Wastewater treatment plants are typically designed to remove organic substances and nutrients; however, to effectively remove microcontaminants, specialized treatments must be implemented. The Swiss Ordinance 814.201 on Water Protection (OPAc), currently in force, recognizes microcontaminants as compounds that need to be treated in wastewater treatment plants.
Wastewater treatment plants are typically designed to remove organic substances and nutrients; however, to effectively remove microcontaminants, specialized treatments must be implemented. The Swiss Ordinance 814.201 on Water Protection (OPAc), currently in force, recognizes microcontaminants as compounds that need to be treated in wastewater treatment plants.
Among the different treatments for the removal of microcontaminants (micropollutants, MPs), physical adsorption is one of the most effective. The most commonly used adsorbent material is activated carbon (AC), which is used in both powdered (PAC) and granular (GAC) forms. Due to its porous structure and large surface area, PAC is highly effective in removing a wide range of microcontaminants. In this line of research, we evaluate various solutions to combine PAC with materials such as zeolites for efficient MP removal, integrated into the wastewater treatment process.
Caption test
Advances in molecular biology tools and procedures make the DNA-based approach feasible even for routine analyses.
Caption test