Recycling wastewater for sustainable agriculture
Feb 07, 2024
Drinking water scarcity is a global issue, including in Sweden, where it’s also used for crop irrigation and various industrial operations. This practice is neither sustainable nor efficient. Hence, MDU has launched an innovative research project aimed at developing efficient techniques to convert industrial process water and wastewater into a valuable asset for food production.
The Unity4Water research project, a collaborative effort involving Mälardalen University (MDU), Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), and around 30 industry and food production partners, is focused on rethinking water usage.
Project overview and funding
The project has received just over SEK 14 million in funding from Vinnova’s strategic innovation programme for Process industrial IT and Automation (PiiA), with a total budget of SEK 31 million, and additional contributions from the participating business partners. Monica Odlare, Professor of Environmental Engineering at MDU and Coordinator for the Unity4Water project, emphasizes the need for a new approach to water usage.
She says, “In our fast-paced and changing world, where climate changes and a growing population poses serious challenges, we must rethink how we use water, energy and produce food.” Malin Rosqvist, Programme Manager for the strategic innovation programme PiiA, also highlights the significant role of the industry in this project.
She notes, “Water and access to water is an increasingly important issue for the process industry, which consumes large quantities of water, both in Sweden and abroad. This also includes purification of the water used, both for the industry’s part and for the symbiosis with society that the companies are part of through the water and sewage systems.”
Technological approach and international collaboration
The Unity4Water project merges cutting-edge technology with social sciences. A research and demonstration plant will be established where recycled industrial process water and wastewater will be utilized to grow vegetables. This method conserves water and recycles nutrients, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Advanced technologies such as optical sensors, electronic noses, dynamic light, carbon capture technology, AI, and machine learning will be employed to monitor the water and optimize crop growth. Additionally, mini-drones equipped with multispectral cameras are planned to be used to assess plant health. Monica Odlare explains, “This technology-conscious practice ensures that the crops get exactly what they need, which reduces waste and maximises efficiency. Also, we would like visitors to see with their own eyes how processed water and wastewater are transformed into a valuable resource for growing food.”
Unity4Water is an interdisciplinary project that brings together 29 partners. Researchers from MDU, RISE, Mittuniversitetet (Mid Sweden University), Lund University, Biotech Heights, and Chalmers Industriteknik have teamed up with representatives from various companies and industries. Plans are also underway to expand the project internationally, starting with a pilot project in Wichita Falls, Texas. Monica Odlare concludes, “The Unity4Water project is an important step towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. As a result, it not only concerns research but is also about community involvement, education and an opportunity to contribute to a paradigm shift in how we view and use our water.”
More News and Articles
Jul 24, 2024
News
UK utilities place multiple orders for settlement tank technology
Northumbrian Water, Southern Water, and Dŵr Cymru upgrading wastewater sites
Three UK water utilities have agreed orders for the installation of a total of six conical settlement …
Jul 22, 2024
Article
Reusing wastewater, rethinking water: Maharashtra's roadmap
How Maharashtra turns wastewater into a resource
Water resource management is a critical issue globally, and in India, the state of Maharashtra is pioneering efforts to regulate and …
Jul 19, 2024
News
Kansas City advances fire hydrant leak detection technology
An acoustic fixed-base pipe monitoring technology that uses fire hydrants to host multi-sensor devices, has already found more than 30 leaks for Kansas City Water, says Lou Rossetti …
Jul 17, 2024
News
When two bores right a wrong
The Edge Underground team is adamant: there is always a risk of things going wrong on a trenchless project, even for the most prepared contractor.
Experience and having the right equipment can be the difference between …
Jul 15, 2024
News
Adapting to a region’s growing water and wastewater needs
Gippsland Water has completed two major projects to provide local communities with water security. Trenchless Australasia takes a look at the two projects helping increase water supply …
Jul 12, 2024
News
Connections made in Glastonbury
Difficult ground conditions called for a specialist solution when new PE pipes for potable water services had to be installed underneath two, 10-metre road crossings in the grounds of the UK’s ultimate music festival …
Jul 10, 2024
Article
The Water-Energy Nexus: Interdependence and Challenges
Niclas Andersson, CEO of AirWater2All, explains the connection between water and energy. The importance of this connection and the areas in which it needs to be considered are explained …
Jul 08, 2024
News
Minimising cultural impacts with trenchless technology
Yarra Valley Water is leveraging the benefits of trenchless technology to lessen impacts on the Upper Darebin Creek branch sewer project.
The project consists of building a 2.7km sewer pipe …
Jul 05, 2024
News
SprayWall: Reinforcing Underground Infrastructure with Unmatched Strength
In the trenchless technology industry, finding a rehabilitation solution that offers ease of installation and exceptional structural integrity is paramount.
For three decades, …
Jul 01, 2024
News
“Don’t let stereotypes hold you back”
Trenchless Australasia sat down with Rob Carr project manager Marie Piette to discuss her career and work at the microtunnelling contracting company.
From Norway to Cambodia and now Perth, Western Australia, …
Jun 28, 2024
News
Transforming Wastewater: Towards Climate-Neutral Sewage Treatment
Baden-Württemberg’s Minister President Winfried Kretschmann recently toured the Büsnau Training and Research Sewage Treatment Plant, where a pioneering project led by researchers …
Jun 26, 2024
News
Bothar advances with significant new contracts
Having commenced work on the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline earlier this year, Bothar Boring and Tunnelling has announced the award of further contracts as part of its ongoing collaboration with …
Contact
gwf Wasser | Abwasser
Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 55
45127 Essen
Germany
Phone:
+49 201 82002 0
Fax:
+49 201 82002 40