Project: Reduction and assessment of antimicrobial resistance and emerging pollutants in natural-based water treatment systems
| Acronym | REWA (Reference Number: ID 302) |
| Duration | 01/09/2021 - 31/08/2024 |
| Project Topic | 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 elearning 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. |
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Project Results (after finalisation) |
1. Develop and demonstrate novel concept for surface water treatment using clay-polymer nanocomposites, photocatalysis and tailored-made specific sorbents. 2. Demonstrate the use of wood-based biosorbents and carbon-based materials for sewage effluent polishing. 3. Demonstrate the use of biocoagulants for metal-rich effluents. 4. Assess effects of treatment processes on the microbiome and resistome. 5. Understand the mechanisms of the water treatment processes. 6. Create awareness of new treatment solutions and develop training material. |
| Network | AquaticPollutants |
| Call | 1st AquaticPollutants Joint Call 2020 |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oulu | Coordinator | Finland |
| 2 | MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute | Partner | Israel |
| 3 | University of Copenhagen | Partner | Denmark |
| 4 | University of KwaZulu-Natal | Partner | South Africa |