Innovation Pillar I
Water and wastewater treatment and resource recovery
At SEL NTUA, we are actively engaged in advancing water and wastewater treatment and resource recovery through cutting-edge research that develops innovative processes, technologies, and strategies. Our work aims to enhance sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and improve resource efficiency.
We combine physical experimentation at both lab and pilot scales with advanced mathematical modeling to ensure practical and scalable solutions. A range of novel water and wastewater treatment configurations and resource recovery processes has already been tested at these scales to boost efficiency, recover valuable resources, and promote circularity. These efforts reduce waste disposal and minimize energy footprints.
Our research focuses on enhancing the removal of conventional pollutants, emerging contaminants (such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics), heavy metals, and pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes. We achieve this by optimizing existing processes and developing advanced treatment technologies to enable safe water reuse.
To further optimize system performance in protecting water resources, minimizing carbon footprints, achieving energy neutrality, and reducing operational costs, we are creating novel modeling tools and methodologies. Through these initiatives, our ultimate goal is to transform the water and wastewater sector into a sustainable, resource-efficient pillar of modern society.
Water and Biomass management and valorisation
Nature-based Solutions
Climate related water ressilience
Aquatic Ecosystems monitoring and pollution control
Enviromental assessment