SERPIC is organised in five work packages (WP) as follows:
WP1 Sources, spread and transformation. The objective of this WP is to select these six target CECs appropriately and to analyse their occurrence, reduction and accumulation in the process chain. WP1 will start with T1.1 consisting in the selection of the six CECs to monitor during the project investigations at bench scale and with the prototypes. Then, in T1.2 analytical methods will be developed, validated and tested for the detection of the selected CECs in the different matrices: water (raw municipal wastewater and treated effluent), soil and crops. This will be carried out in collaboration with the partners and the secondments of researchers from SU and UNIFE at UCLM for some weeks. In T1.3 the spread of the selected CECs will be investigated with the prototype in operation in Spain. The monitoring campaign will regard the raw wastewater, the treated effluent, the irrigated soil, different types of crops and the receiving surface water body. Activities planned in T1.3 will assist the investigations of WP2 described in T2.8, T2.9 and
T2.10 regarding analysis of selected compounds in the value chain and will evaluate the spread and transformation of the selected compounds in case of irrigation of the SERPIC technology treated water of the different crops.
Specific Role of UCLM in WP1: This WP is leaded by UNIFE and UCLM will spend 7.5 pm.
T1.2. Analysis of bench-scale processes (M4-M17). At UCLM, in WP2 a bench scale system will be built in order to test and develop analytical methods (deliverable D1.2) and then to monitor the selected compounds defined in T1.1. In this task, different kinds of matrices of the bench-scale process development will be sampled and analysed: raw municipal wastewater and treated effluent reported in deliverable D1.3. Activities will be mainly developed at UCLM with the collaboration of researchers from other partners (SU, UNIFE) for whom a secondment at UCLM is planned for some weeks
in T1.2.
T1.3. Analysis of compounds in value chain (M18-M36). Results collected in the fully integrated system (T2.8) tested at UCLM (T2.9) with the different crops and the different periods will be analysed and processed in order to verify the efficacy of the proposed innovative wastewater treatment to guarantee the reduction of the target CECs in case of direct reuse for agricultural needs and of the release in surface water body. In addition, the behaviour of the residual CECs will be analysed in the soil and in the crops receiving the treated effluent, including the analysis of the main transformation products (deliverables D1.4 for product water, D1.5 for soil, D1.6 for plants). Sample preparation of aqueous samples include filtration and spiking the decant with an internal standard mixture, followed by Solid-Phase extraction (SPE) and elution with methanol from the soil and plant samples. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) will then be performed. Toxicity assays will be carried out at SU, according to the CEC
analysis done at UCLM with simulated water. Toxicity assays available at SU. At the same time, this step will provide suggestions for re-engineering the prototype treatment plant and optimise it according to T2.10. The performance of the final version of the prototype will be reported in deliverable D1.7.
WP2 Treatment technology and prototype. This WP aims to develop and validate our technology for treating the effluents to reduce CECs. Two water streams are produced: 1) one with a very high quality for the irrigation of crops, with the target of increasing the safety in the food production, and 2) another which will be discharged into the environment with a substantial reduction in the content of CECs (at least 80 % compared to existing WWTP effluents), helping in an improved protection of the environment. With the full development of the SERPIC prototype plant and a field test (including two full crop growth cycles), this WP will also provide the necessary experimental data to understand how CECs are transformed during treatment and spread in the environment and in crops (WP1), how they can be managed in the optimum way, how sustainable are the solutions under development, helping in the design of better policy and decision-making procedures (WP4). In task T2.1, already available equipment will be used to develop optimised parameters for the individual technology modules. Afterwards, inT2.2 to T2.7, all the equipment will be developed at bench-scale for
integration into the SERPIC solution. Especially important will be the exchange of technology among partners, promoted with secondments, which aims to reach an optimum integration. It includes experimental tests, development of new reactors and materials and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. ClO2 and Peroxosulfates (SO52- or S2O82-) will be produced electrochemically using diamond anodes from IST and brines of sodium chloride or sulfate and different novel cell approaches. The cathodic reaction will be the reduction of O2 to H2O2, considering the implementation of
novel concepts of jet cells and flow-through electrodes. To produce ClO2, the anodic reaction will be the production of ClO3- from Cl-, for persulfates, the oxidation of SO42-. H2O2 promotes the formation of ClO2 and helps to stabilize the persulfates. In task T2.8 we will build-up the prototype by adapting and integrating all the units into a complete prototype plant, which will be tested from the hydraulic, electric and treatment viewpoints. This prototype plant will be sized for the treatment of 0.5 m3 water per day (of which 30-70 % will be permeate for irrigation). The plant will be powered by 10 m² PV solar panels that are existing at UCLM, with a dedicated energy management (T2.7). Finally, the plant will be used in task T2.9 in a field test with the help of a soil remediation plant of 48 m3 pot size that will be arranged for the sequential production of carrots and potatoes. The facility will be separated into six separate pots of 8 m³ each. Two pots will be irrigated with the conventional reclaimed wastewater (the secondary effluent of the
WWTP), two with the SERPIC reclaimed wastewater and the other two with the natural surface water, with the same irrigation rate. This method allows comparing the effectiveness of the SERPIC technology with usual secondary treatment. An exhaustive characterization of the water, soil and crops will be made with the analytical procedures developed in tasks T1.2 and T1.3, using HPLC-MS already existing in UCLM. Assistance from farmers from the
Stakeholder Board will help in the successful growth of the two crops. Their choice of vegetables has already been considered in the planning of task T2.9. Assistance is planned by sending UCLM staff to IST, SSP, NIVA and UP for training, and by sending specialists from IST, SSP, UP and NIVA to UCLM to help during the build-up. During the complete duration of the project, we will adapt any novelty in the different components of the prototype in
task T2.10. This task will deal with re-engineering and optimization that might become necessary based on the first results of the prototype testing months and of the first crop growth cycle.
Specific Role of UCLM in WP2: This WP is leaded by UCLM and our team will spend 34,3 pm.
T2.1 (M1-M17). Developing processes. UCLM will improve the design of already existing commercial cells to produce efficiently ClO2 and persulfates, also testing the best operation conditions in terms of current density, pressure, and temperature. Three types of cells will be evaluated to find the best solution as input for T2.4. Data obtained will be exchanged with IST to improve the final design of the anode electrodes and cell by CFD modelling (T2.2) and to tailor the diamond coatings (T2.3) by varying crystallinity and doping level (conductivity). For the cathode electrodes, materials based on Vulcan carbon and PTFE in flow-through and/or gas-diffusion electrodes to produce hydrogen peroxide will be evaluated. NIVA will select the suitable NF membranes based on experiments with existing NF setup and real
effluent of the local Bekkelaget WWTP, delivering input for T2.6. Selection will be based on performance indicators including how well the nutrients can be separated from CECs including ARGs. UP will use synthetic solutions of ClO2
and persulfate to optimize (oxidant stock concentration and pH, oxidant dose, light pathlength and UV lamp power) the performance of an existing membrane photoreactor for the treatment of NF concentrate and to obtain knowledge (hydrodynamics, oxidant dispersion, radiant flux, reaction kinetics) to validate a CFD model. CFD will enable enhanced reactor geometrical features, including the light source (position, intensity) aiming faster and economic ways to scale-up, as input for T2.5.
T2.4 (M 8-M12). Build up and test electrolyzer. The best designs proposed in T2.2 by CFD modelling and optimization from IST will be physically manufactured with a 3-D printer or made in a mechanical workshop, depending on the choice of the final construction material, in order to be tested and compared with the commercial prototypes previously tested in T2.1. Also, the best formulation of electrodes will be used, and the construction materials will be evaluated. The study will be a real scale-up assessment, in which not only the sizing of the cells but also their operation in harsh external conditions, the connection with the non-uniform powering made by the solar panels, the auxiliary equipment required and the automation will be considered. Also, it will be evaluated how to integrate the process upstream, considering the real supply of raw matter, and downstream with the UV photoreactor to whom it will supply the oxidants. Assessment of operation conditions and maintenance needs will be also carried out to guarantee an optimized operation. This task will overlap with T2.1 because here it is only focused on the SERPIC prototype while T2.1 is based on already existing commercial prototypes, so both should be done at the same time, exchanging information for a faster obtaining of the best choice. The final electrolyser will be delivered as D2.3 to T2.8 to build-up the prototype.
T2.8. Build up prototype (M18-M23). In this task, the developed components – membrane nanofiltration unit (T2.6, NIVA), electrolysers (T2.4, UCLM) with diamond electrodes (T2.3, IST), photoreactor unit (T2.5, UP) and solar-powering system (T2.7, SSP) – will be integrated into the prototype for field tests in T2.9, fed by the effluent of the municipal WWTP of Ciudad Real. For NF, an existing on-site reverse osmosis unit will be adapted. An already existing 10 m3 tank will be used to feed the wastewater to the plant, which will be installed in the same place which will later be used for the field test.
The prototype will be automated to be controlled remotely, allowing all partners an interaction with the system anytime. Hydraulic and electric connection tests will also be made, as well as operation tests trying to optimize the connections between the equipment and to protect them robustly from weather conditions. Measuring devices (including pH-meters, conductivity-meters, thermocouples, flow rates measuring devices) will be integrated. Furthermore, it will be connected to already available automatic sampling devices to allow the off-site characterization of the different streams. Initial tests of powering with the different energy strategies will also be the target of this task. Secondments of experts from IST, NIVA, SSP and UP will assist during the buildup. At the end of this task, the plant should work as a complete unit and will be reported as deliverable D2.7 and proven by the first milestone M2.1.
T2.9. Testing prototype (M24-M36). Once the prototype is fully integrated (T2.8), it will be validated in a field test. The Experimental Soil Treatment Facility existing at UCLM (with two concrete pots of 16 and 32 m3) will be adapted to provide 6 separate pots of each 2 m x 2 m x 2 m (8 m³). Therein, crops will be seeded, cultivated and harvested in two subsequent growth cycles to allow optimisation in T2.10. In the 1st cycle from Oct 2022 until Jan 2023, carrots will be grown. In the 2nd cycle, from Feb 2023 until Aug 2023, potatoes will be grown, totalizing 1 year of irrigation. The CEC accumulation after the 1st growth period will be the boundary condition for the 2nd growth period. Each of the pots will consist of a gravel layer in the bottom, followed by a sand layer and a silty loam and vegetable soil coverage (eluviated, top soil and organic). This disposition will allow to sample not only the vegetables but also the vertical pollutant profiles in the soil when the water will be applied in agricultural irrigation. Sampling of vegetables will
differentiate roots, tails, and leaves or the edible products. Also, the quality of the water will be compared for the target CECs stated in T1.1. Operation will be continuous 24/7 for the complete field test period of 13 months. The soil will be protected from rain using already existing carpets but open to atmosphere and sunlight. The end of crop 1 tests will establish the initial conditions for crop 2 tests. This task delivers input for T2.10.
T2.10. Re-engineering and optimisation (M18-M36). Common experience in previous projects regarding the applications of water treatment technologies in real demonstration cases makes us aware of the many inputs that could fail in a real application field test, and of the necessity of a re-engineering stage in which the different partners can face problems. These uncertainties from T2.9 will be solved in this task. As the field test implies the sequential
use of two crops, experience gained with the first one will be used in the second crop, and the reengineering of several of the equipment will be done. A list of the main foreseeable uncertainties includes:1) Potential degradation of construction materials; mitigation: refurbishing or reinforcing; 2) Level of toxic by-products might be too high; mitigation: modification of the treatment process; 3) Level of suspended solids or organic matter in the concentrate
stream might be too high; mitigation: addition of a sand filtration unit upstream the membrane photoreactor; 4) Level of membrane fouling of NF system is too high; mitigation: addition of a finer pre-treatment. The set-up of the final prototype version will be delivered as D2.8, its performance as D1.7.
WP3 Transfer strategies. The objective of WP3 is to develop transfer strategies for other regions of the world to multiply the effects of the project results.
This will be complemented by disseminating the project results and developing exploitation plans in WP4. Thus, WP3 and WP4 are the pre-requisites that will ensure the final operational application of the project results in the future and that the efforts and funding will finally create the envisaged benefits for society and environment. To achieve the WP
objective, three tasks will be performed. To investigate the energy situation, concepts will bedeveloped in T3.1 to manage energy sources, potential necessary storage as well as the consumption of the system, estimated for all showcase
regions. This will include assessment of the typical solar radiation that could be used for PV energy generation as well as wind profiles for wind energy supply. To assess the cost and environmental situation of the SERPIC system, two standardised analyses will be performed in T3.2: A life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyse material and energy consumption as well as emission or discharge of pollutants and waste including carbon footprint and impact to ecosystems, and a life cycle costing (LCC) to analyse the costs of manufacturing and operation of SERPIC systems. These analyses will be complemented by the elaboration of a Water Safety Plan to assess the risks during the system operation. In task T3.3, transfer concepts will be developed for the transfer of the results to the showcase regions in Europe and beyond with the same needs, especially low- and middle-income countries.
Specific Role of UCLM in WP3: This WP is leaded by SU and UCLM will spend 5.3 pm.
T3.2 Life cycle assessment, Life Cycle Costs (M22-M27). LCA and LCC will be carried out for the SERPIC process and for comparison also to actual alternatives for the reclaiming of treated secondary wastewater for agricultural irrigation. For the LCA, the SimaPro 9.0 software will be fed with experimental data obtained in WP2. For the LCC, an estimation of the whole-life cost will be made, including planning, design, construction and acquisition, operations, maintenance, renewal and rehabilitation, depreciation and cost of finance and replacement or disposal. A Water Safety Plan will
be carried out for the treatment trains in order to evaluate the main health and environment risks connected with malfunctions and failures in the components of the treatment sequence and to find proper and sustainable safeguard measures to face these undesired conditions and to mitigate adverse effects, according to the risk assessment procedures. The results will be reported in D3.2.
WP4 Education, communication, exploitation. This WP has the objective to ensure that the results will reach the relevant academic, economical and societal communities. The second objective is to ensure that the expected impacts to society and environment will be finally achieved. T4.1 will deal with the academic communities. Six research organisations at seven places are involved in the project. In this task, education measures like thesis, courses
and practical trainings will be planned and implemented for the academic communities at all places. T4.2 will deal with research careers and with knowledge-sharing within the consortium. Early-stage researchers of the consortium will be seconded to other partners to receive trainings from the host institution and/or to forward specific knowledge of the seconding institution. T4.3 deals with audiences beyond the consortium. It will plan and implement a dedicated set of communication actions to disseminate the results to the relevant academic, economical and societal communities. This
task will lay the foundation for the exploitation of the results by informing relevant stakeholders about the results of the project. Thus, other organisations like enterprises or R&D performers can uptake the results and further develop the technology to higher technology readiness level. Furthermore, the consortium can identify interesting parties for joint follow-up activities. Scientific and educational communities are important for further research on the technology and to transfer the scientific results to other application areas. The stakeholder group from business comprises waste water treatment plant provider, manufacturer of water treatment technology and corresponding components, and end-users like farmers, farmer associations and water providers. It is important to communicate also with the general public to inform them about new solutions for CEC-free plants and food, and to provide accountability about the use of public money. Both European, African and national channels will be taken into account. In task T4.4, an exploitation plan to prepare the use of the project results will be elaborated that will comprise detailed actions within the project duration as well as potential actions beyond the project duration until the SERPIC system will be finally applied at TRL9. The project topic links with many regulatory issues concerning the quality of water, soil, or plants. With the help of the project results, task T4.5 will therefore elaborate recommendations that will be forwarded to organisations like policy makers, regulatory authorities and standardisation bodies.
Specific Role of UCLM in WP4: This WP is leaded by IST and UCLM will spend 2,8 persons-month.
T4.1. Education (M13-M36). The transfer of the project results to the academic will be implemented at all seven places of the consortium. The measures include the supervision of all academics in education that contribute to the project.
T4.2 Mobility (M2-M32). Exchanges of human resources within the consortium shall bring together all necessary expertise at the right places to fulfil the project tasks, to facilitate knowledge transfer and cooperation and to enable hands-on training of early-stage researcher and personnel of the involved organisations. Therefore, 17 secondments are planned as Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM).
T4.3 Communication (M1-M36). All necessary stakeholder groups will be informed by a set of dissemination actions.
T4.4 Exploitation (M5-M36). To foster innovation as soon as possible, a detailed exploitation plan will be elaborated. It will cover not only the project duration but also the period afterwards with a timescale until the treatment technology reaches market introduction (TRL9). The exploitation plan is strongly linked to the dissemination activities in task T4.3. A preliminary version will be developed until month 22 (forming deliverable D4.1) and will be
presented to the Stakeholder Board on its second meeting in month 23. The agreement about the general strategy of the exploitation plan forms milestone M4.1. Input from the Board will be considered for further development of the plan. The final version will be reported as D4.2 in the final project month.
T4.5 Recommendations for policies etc (M28-M36). The project results will be summarized in targeted executive summary reports and/or policy briefs which will be communicated to the relevant regional, national and European policy makers and regulation authorities All summary reports will be collated to deliverable D4.3.
WP5 Management. The objectives of this WP are to create a team work environment for best possible results, to ensure a smooth running of the project and to fulfil all contractual tasks. This work package is divided into two tasks: The coordination activities are collated in task T5.1 and the project management is performed in task T5.2. All generated research data will be managed in a Data Management Plan.
Specific Role of UCLM in WP5: This WP is leaded by IST and UCLM will spend 0.5 persons-month.