This technology generates new water resources for irrigation from the treatment of agro-industrial wastewaters through the usage of a holistic nature-sourced technology which combines a nanocomposite clarification-sedimentation system for the TSS removal, aerated bio-reactors for the COD and nutrient removal, and halophyte-zeolite wetlands for the sodium removal.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Testing plan completed
The testing plan and the BRIGAID’s Testing Innovation Framework (TIF) has been rightly applied and finished. The TRL of the innovation has been effectively reached.
The pre-treatment modules (nanocomposite, and aerated bioreactors) already work and have been demonstrated under operational conditions in a winery industry (TRL 7). The HZW module for SAR reduction has been positively tested under in a simulated operational environment. High rates of effectiveness have been achieved using the Zeolite-Sesuvium combination (reduction of Na+ from 90-520 in dairy inflows, to 30-120 in treated outflows).

How does it work?

HZW is a green module integrated by natural ion-exchange resins (zeolites) and halophytes in an artificial wetland which is able to reduce the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) using exchange reactions and plant up take. HZW is part of a 3-stage modular system for the treatment of dairy farm wasterwaters which consists of a (patented) clay-polymer nanocomposite system for reducing TSS, a set of aerated cells for COD and nutrient removal (by up to 95%), and the HZW for the sodium removal.

October, 2019
- Update of innovation description by WP3 leader - TRL updated by WP3 leader (from TRL4 to TRL6) - Testing development report approved by WP3 leader