Objective
The main objective of the ERAGUA project is to develop an innovative digital platform for the intelligent management of reclaimed water quality, based on the analysis of microbiological parameters and emerging contaminants (ECs). Microbiological parameters include viruses, protozoa (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). As regards ECs, priority will be given to the study of microplastics and the substances included in Directive 2024/3019 of the European Parliament, most of which are pharmaceuticals, although other compounds of environmental interest are also included.
The project will study and validate cutting-edge analytical techniques that enable correlations to be established with the physicochemical and microbiological parameters commonly analysed in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This will make it possible to create an intelligent surveillance system capable of monitoring the presence and evolution of these parameters in a given region, anticipating their possible dispersion into the environment through the use of reclaimed water, and facilitating decision-making through effective control measures. As part of this strategy, the treatment efficiency of two WWTPs in removing these parameters will be assessed, validating their capacity to produce safe reclaimed water in different operating contexts. In parallel, a quaternary treatment train using advanced technologies will be studied to analyse its effectiveness in removing ECs and its potential as an additional stage in wastewater treatment.
Activities
-
Identification of needs
-
Study, selection and fine-tuning of analytical techniques for the control of microbiological parameters and emerging contaminants in reclaimed water.
-
Assessment of treatment efficiency in WWTPs and application of complementary quaternary technologies.
-
Design of a biosensor prototype for the detection of protozoa in reclaimed water.
-
Design of a sensor prototype for the detection of emerging contaminants in reclaimed water.
- Development of a digital surveillance platform to support decision-making.
Activities
