| projects-031 |
244121 |
REFRESH |
Adaptive Strategies to Mitigate the Impacts of Climate Change on European Freshwater Ecosystems |
FP7 |
No data |
ENV.2009.2.1.2.1;ENV.2009.2.2.1.1 |
2010-02-01 |
2014-01-31 |
Completed |
€ 009 895 943.67 |
Understanding how freshwater ecosystems will respond to future climate change is essential for the development of policies and implementation strategies needed to protect aquatic and riparian ecosystems. The future status of freshwater ecosystems is however, also dependent on changes in land-use, pollution loading and water demand. In addition the measures that need to be taken to restore freshwater ecosystems to good ecological health or to sustain priority species as required by EU Directives need to be designed either to adapt to future climate change or to mitigate the effects of climate change in the context of changing land-use. Generating the scientific understanding that enables such measures to be implemented successfully is the principal focus of REFRESH. It is concerned with the development of a system that will enable water managers to design cost-effective restoration programmes for freshwater ecosystems at the local and catchment scales that account for the expected future impacts of climate change and land-use change in the context of the WFD and Habitats Directive. At its centre is a process-based evaluation of the specific adaptive measures that might be taken to minimise the consequences of climate change on freshwater quantity, quality and biodiversity. The focus is on three principal climate-related and interacting pressures, increasing temperature, changes in water levels and flow regimes and excess nutrients, primarily with respect to lowland rivers, lakes and wetlands because these often pose the most difficult problems in meeting both the requirements of the WFD and Habitats Directive. REFRESH will advance our fundamental and applied science in 5 key areas: i) understanding how the functioning of freshwater ecosystems is affected by climate change; ii) new indicators of functional response and tools for assessing vulnerability; iii) modelling ecological processes; iv) integrated modelling; and v) adaptive management. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/244121 |
Rivers and estuaries', 'Lake', 'Wetlands' |
| projects-032 |
232156 |
HYDRORAD |
Integrated advanced distribuited system for hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting using low-cost high-performance X-band mini-radar and cellular network infracstructures |
FP7 |
No data |
SME-1 |
2009-09-01 |
2011-11-30 |
Completed |
€ 001 437 000.00 |
Three SMEs from Italy, Greece and Cyprus have formed a consortium, named HYDRORAD, to develop a unique state-of-the-art hydro-meteorological observational-modelling system, based on network of advanced low-cost mini X-band polarimetric radars. HYDRORAD will greatly enhance our ability to observe, measure, and estimate parameters of rainstorms and hailstorms with consequential improvements in the prediction of floods and the management of water resources. The modular and cellular structure of the HYDRORAD radar observation network would facilitate: i) high flexibility in selecting and changing the critical area for hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting, civil protection support and agriculture management; and ii) exploitation of existing cellular-phone radio-base station towers as a mean to use those facilities to minimize the impact of new civil constructions for the radar network infrastructure. The objectives of the HYDRORAD proposal are: 1. to optimise X-band mini-radar system characteristics in terms of the best tradeoffs between costs and performances for hydro-meteorological applications and to implement, improve and validate precipitation algorithms to process X-band mini-radar network data measurements; 2. to develop robust techniques for hydrological nowcasting driven by the X-band mini-radar network data and to set up an integrated tool for short-to-medium-range forecasting using coupled hydro-meteorological models and assimilation schemes; 3. to develop protocols and procedures to exploit the network of cellular towers to implement large regional X-band mini-radar network coverage and to test the integrated systems and tools in real-time within social and economical context of a developing country, such as Moldova. The HYDRORAD integrated system will be promoted by the SME consortium in the market as a competitive solution to the problem of (1) flood and flash flood forecasting in areas with poor coverage by operational national w |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/232156 |
Rivers and estuaries', 'Urban water' |
| projects-033 |
212298 |
IMVUL |
Towards Improved Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment |
FP7 |
No data |
PEOPLE-2007-1-1-ITN |
2008-10-01 |
2013-04-30 |
Completed |
€ 003 221 516.86 |
There has been an increasing realization over the last 30 years that to preserve water quality and quantity in Europe, measures at both European and national levels are needed. Our groundwater resources are at risk from a wide variety of stresses including point and diffuse sources of contamination, over-abstraction and saline intrusion. Minimizing this risk requires a good understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes involved and the development of tools to assess groundwater vulnerability, aid water management and design protection strategies. To meet the challenges imposed by the new EU Water and Ground Water Framework Directives, the water industry throughout Europe is already significantly expanding, creating an increasing demand for appropriately educated graduates. The proposed ITN network, IMVUL, is aimed at training researchers in the major issues and processes relevant to groundwater vulnerability. The network consists of 8 partners in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Israel and Norway and 13 associated partners from the water industry. The research objectives are to increase our understanding of the fundamental processes relevant to groundwater vulnerability and develop improved prediction tools that can contribute to the protection and sustainable use of Europe's groundwater resources. This will be achieved through investigations of case study aquifers and their vulnerability issues, laboratory experiments of contaminant transport in the subsurface, and numerical and analytical modelling of the processes pertinent to groundwater vulnerability. The proposed network will contribute to satisfying a growing skill demand in groundwater research and the water industry by producing graduates with not only a sound knowledge of the scientific basis of groundwater vulnerability, but also good investigatory skills through their research experience and additional training relevant to the water industry. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/212298 |
Groundwater' |
| projects-034 |
265122 |
TRUST |
Transitions to the Urban Water Services of Tomorrow |
FP7 |
No data |
ENV.2010.3.1.1-1 |
2011-05-01 |
2015-04-30 |
Completed |
€ 009 271 682.95 |
The European project initiative TRUST will produce knowledge and guidance to support TRansitions to Urban Water Services of Tomorrow, enabling communities to achieve sustainable, low-carbon water futures without compromising service quality. We deliver this ambition through close collaboration with problem owners in ten participating pilot city regions under changing and challenging conditions in Europe and Africa. Our work provides research driven innovations in governance, modelling concepts, technologies, decision support tools, and novel approaches to integrated water, energy, and infrastructure asset management. An extended understanding of the performance of contemporary urban water services will allow detailed exploration of transition pathways. Urban water cycle analysis will include use of an innovative systems metabolism model, derivation of key performance indicators, risk assessment, as well as broad stakeholder involvement and an analysis of public perceptions and governance modes. A number of emerging technologies in water supply, waste and storm water treatment and disposal, in water demand management and in the exploitation of alternative water sources will be analysed in terms of their cost-effectiveness, performance, safety and sustainability. Cross-cutting issues include innovations in urban asset management and water-energy nexus strengthening. The most promising interventions will be demonstrated and legitimised in the urban water systems of the ten participating pilot city regions. TRUST outcomes will be incorporated into planning guidelines and decision support tools, will be subject to life-cycle assessment, and be shaped by regulatory considerations as well as potential environmental, economic and social impacts. Outputs from the project will catalyse transformatory change in both the form and management of urban water services and give utilities increased confidence to specify innovative solutions to a range of pressing challenges. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/265122 |
Urban water' |
| projects-035 |
212423 |
HYLOW |
Hydropower converters with very low head differences |
FP7 |
No data |
ENERGY-2007-2.7-01 |
2008-03-01 |
2012-02-29 |
Completed |
€ 004 764 899.60 |
Small hydropower with very low head or pressure differences below 2.5 m and hydraulic power ratings of 50 to 1000 kW is a significant renewable resource, with an estimated unused potential in rivers alone of e.g. 600 to 1000 MW in the UK and more than 500 MW in Germany. The economically and ecologically efficient utilisation of this hydropower bracket still constitutes an unsolved problem since conventional turbines (Kaplan or Cross flow) are not cost effective, and since they are considered to have a negative ecological impact. In order to open up this hydropower bracket for exploitation, an innovative solution - the hydrostatic pressure turbine - was developed. This novel hydraulic machine utilises differential hydrostatic pressures; with theory and initial model tests indicating high theoretical efficiencies for low head differences. It rotates at slow speeds and operates under atmospheric pressure with a continuous bed, thus minimising negative impact on fish and allowing for unhindered sediment and fish passage. Initial work indicated significant development potential, whilst the expected structural simplicity promises increased cost effectiveness. Three configurations will be investigated for different applications in rivers with a head difference, for free stream situations and for energy generation in water supply systems. The configurations will be optimised using a combination of small and large scale model tests, theoretical and numerical modelling. The ecological impact will be assessed at every step of development, and fed back into the R/D process to achieve an ecologically effective design. In the absence of appropriate testing facilities, large scale tests will be conducted in natural rivers scenarios, adding to the realism of environmental impact assessment. The project is expected to develop, and prove, novel economically and ecologically effective hydropower converters for applications with head differences below 2.5 m. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/212423 |
Rivers and estuaries' |
| projects-036 |
212337 |
SWUP-MED |
Sustainable water use securing food production in dry areas of the Mediterranean region |
FP7 |
No data |
KBBE-2007-1-2-01 |
2008-07-01 |
2013-06-30 |
Completed |
€ 003 992 766.00 |
The strategic objective of the project is to improve food crop production in the Mediterranean region, influenced by multiple abiotic stresses. These stresses are becoming even more pronounced under changing climate, predicted to result in drier conditions, increasing temperatures, and greater variability, causing desertification. The project will work mainly in farmers’ communities to improve farming systems, by strengthening a diversified crop rotation and using marginal-quality water for supplemental irrigation, aiming at: • Introduce and test new climate-proof crops and cultivars with improved stress tolerance, selecting promising varieties of cereals, grain legumes and new crops. Climate-proof traits will be identified for breeding programmes using advanced physiological and biochemical screening tools. Supplemental irrigation will be performed as deficit irrigation by different sources of water. • Investigate the sustainable field applicability of the farming systems, such as environmental effects related to irrigation water quality assessed by monitoring groundwater and soil quality. Financial implications for the farmer and economic costs and benefits in the food sector will be analysed. • Develop a research synthesis in dialogue with food sector, based on experimental results and advanced simulation modelling to improve farming systems management, utilizing dynamic tools that ease adaptation to the effects of a variable and changing climate. The approach is participatory, involving the farmer’s community and the market and political level. The expected outcome is improved productivity and sustainable use of agricultural lands by developing a more diverse farming system, supporting economic development in non-European Mediterranean countries while ensuring mutual interest and benefit with the EU. It will accelerate adoption of improved agricultural practices and technologies to meet future constraints imposed by climate changes. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/212337 |
Groundwater', 'Urban water' |
| projects-037 |
627475 |
GREENCOST |
Reduced GREENhouse gas emissions and sustainable wastewater treatment by integrated Control and Operational STrategies |
FP7 |
No data |
FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF |
2014-11-07 |
2016-11-06 |
Completed |
€ 000 166 336.20 |
In order to ensure the supply of quality water for human consumption, irrigation and industrial operations, the number of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is expected to increase, simultaneously becoming ever more complex. One of the negative impacts that would involve the proliferation of WWTP is the emission of greenhouse gases, responsible for global warming. The main scientific objective of this project is to produce a generic methodology to design a control structure intended to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from wastewater treatment. To demonstrate the methodology, an advanced control system aimed at low greenhouse gases emission will be instrumented in a novel and complex WWTP pilot plant at the hosting group featuring an anaerobic stage, an aerobic/anoxic stage and a filtration stage. To achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the control of the plant, the use of incomplete knowledge and models will be considered in the control system. The success of the methodology and control system will be evaluated on the operation of the pilot plant.The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will be also tackled with an operational approach as a secondary objective. Guidelines and alternatives to run anaerobic-aerobic systems will be explored, in order to improve their efficiency and reducing GHG emissions.This project has also been planned with objectives to enhance the applicant’s career integration. It will serve to complete his training on process control with the practical set-up of a control system and to specialise in an important field as the control and modelling of bioreactors/WWTP. Transversal skills will also be cultivated with responsibility on student supervision, project management and cooperation with the industrial sector helping to achieve a position of professional maturity. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/627475 |
Urban water' |
| projects-038 |
318556 |
EFFINET |
Efficient Integrated Real-time Monitoring and Control of Drinking Water Networks |
FP7 |
No data |
ICT-2011.6.3 |
2012-10-01 |
2015-09-30 |
Completed |
€ 003 145 583.00 |
This project addresses three main management problems in urban water system: optimal operational control, real-time monitoring and demand forecasting/management. Real-time optimal control deals with operating the main flow and pressure actuators to meet demands using the most sustainable sources and minimizing electricity costs and is tackled using stochastic model predictive control techniques. Real-time monitoring of water quantity and quality refers to the continuous detection and location of leakage and or water quality problems. It uses fault detection and diagnosis techniques. Demand forecasting and management is based on smart metering techniques and includes detailed modelling of consumption patterns as well as a service of communication to consumers. The project will provide an integrated software platform and two real-life pilot demonstrations in Barcelona (Spain) and Lemesos (Cyprus), respectively. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/318556 |
Urban water' |
| projects-039 |
324522 |
MPM-DREDGE |
MPM modelling and simulation of soil-fluid interaction for dredging applications |
FP7 |
No data |
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IAPP |
2013-04-01 |
2017-03-31 |
Completed |
€ 001 043 410.84 |
"The aim of the project is to develop, validate and demonstrate a numerical tool for the modelling and simulation of dredging applications. It is aimed to solve the numerical issues associated with large deformations and fluid pressures that occur in the interaction between soils and fluids. This effort will result in a joint computer code that combines earlier pioneering work of the participants (Cambridge and Deltares) in the field of soil-fluid interaction.During the project new methodologies will be developed, the advanced code will be intensively validated using benchmark problems and will demonstrated for dredging applications. The main focus will be on the modelling of soil-fluid interaction problems related to the following three dredging applications: 1) dropping of geocontainers with interaction between pore water and open water, 2) liquefaction and marine slope slides including the dredging of soils and 3) erosion and scour around offshore and near-shore structures.A major impact of the new software and of the joint effort of the participants through a collaboration in the proposed project is expected as expressed by the dredging industry supporting the proposed project (i.e. Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors, Royal Boskalis Westminster, Dredging International and Jan de Nul)." |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/324522 |
Rivers and estuaries', 'Coastal waters' |
| projects-040 |
226536 |
GENESIS |
Groundwater and dependent Ecosystems: NEw Scientific basIS on climate change and land-use impacts for the update of the EU Groundwater Directive |
FP7 |
No data |
ENV.2008.2.1.2.1. |
2009-04-01 |
2014-03-31 |
Completed |
€ 009 170 625.20 |
Groundwater resources are facing increasing pressure from consumptive uses (irrigation, water supply, industry) and contamination by diffuse loading (e.g. agriculture) and point sources (e.g. industry). This cause major threat and risks to our most valuable water resource and on ecosystems dependent on groundwater. New information is need on how to better protect groundwaters and groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDE) from intensive land-use and climate change. The impacts of land-use changes and climate changes are difficult to separate as they partly result in similar changes in the ecosystems affected. The effects are highly interwoven and complex. The EU groundwater directive (GWD) and the water framework directive (WFD) provide means to protect groundwater (GW) aquifers from pollution and deterioration. At present, the maximum limits for groundwater pollutant concentrations have been set for nitrate and various pesticides. Also, water of sufficient quality and quantity should be provided to ecosystems dependent on groundwater. The European aquifers differ by their geology, climate, and threats to aquifers. This must be considered when general guidelines for management of these systems are developed. The concept of the present proposal is to base the research on different relevant aquifer sites in various European countries to test scientific issues and find new results to important problems. Seven WP are foreseen: WP1 Case studies on impacts and threats to GWs and GDEs WP2 Groundwater dynamics, re-charge and water balance WP3 Leaching to groundwater aquifers from different land-uses WP4 Groundwater dependent ecosystems: groundwater-surface water interaction WP5 Modelling processes in groundwater systems WP6 Concepts, scenarios and risk assessment WP7 Co-ordination |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/226536 |
Groundwater' |
