Scientific Outputs
The expected outputs are the implementation and validation of a low-cost ceramic membrane bioreactor (MBR) in a Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP), the study of the impact and replication of the technology for the reuse of the water in regions with water scarcity and the industrial sector, and finally, the definition of a proper business plan to start the commercialization of the technology, once the project will be finished.
Tackling ‘grand’ or societal challenges
Wastewater treatment through the use of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) can be an exceptional alternative to increase the reclaimed water as a worldwide habitual application. The main problem of the current MBRs, using inorganic membranes, is the high running and maintenance costs of the technology. REMEB project proposes a new type of MBR which will significantly decrease the cost of the technology.
Industrial Innovation (including innovation in services as well as products and processes)
REMEB project will develop a ceramic, ecological and competitive MBR for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), from ceramic raw materials and by-products and agro-industrial wastes.
As a first approach the low cost ceramic membranes will be developed in Spain with typical raw materials used in the ceramic tile industry like chamotte from fired tile scrap and wastes obtained in agricultural and industrial processes such as olive oil solid wastes and marble working wastes. Then, the membrane will be replicated at a pilot scale in Turkey and Italy, being also ceramic strategic areas, by using recycled materials and wastes products available in these countries. The differences between manufactured membranes will be examined.
Research-influenced changes in policy, agenda-setting
Since REMEB project will develop a ceramic, ecological and competitive MBR for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) by using ceramic raw materials and by-products and agro-industrial wastes, the wastes of these sectors will be reused. In addition it will provide a low cost technology for reusing the domestic and industrial wastewaters for different aims such as irrigation or industrial purposes for especially the areas with water shortages. The outputs of the project is expected to affect the job creation, economic growth and circular economy positively in Europe.
The provision of Improved Public Goods
It is expected that this technology would be implemented massively, principally due to the low cost of REMEB MBR (3.5 times lower than a MBR of organic membranes and 2.5 times lower than a ceramic MBR). Reusing the domestic and industrial wastewaters for different aims such as irrigation or industrial purposes for especially the areas with water shortages will be possible. This situation is considered to affect the formation of new policies on industrial water use and irrigation (water management) especially in regions with water shortage.
The improved exercise of professional skill
The application of new, ecologically and low-cost MBRs in different countries will result in the reuse of domestic and industrial wastewater for different purposes (irrigation, industry, etc.), especially in the regions where water is under pressure. In this way, it is expected that the new MBR, which has been developed within the project, will contribute to the development of the personnel employed in the mentioned sectors.
